For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
