Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon 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, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful frights, and because the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
