Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove 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 also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining
