Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
