Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and they're almost certain to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
