Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains 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 location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
