For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive 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 is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
