Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing us the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
