Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
