Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a real 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 tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
