For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
