For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie 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 nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
