Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real shock once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other feel much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
