For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
