Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
