Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a van crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
