For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet 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 my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These introductory moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
