Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
