Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
