Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 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 turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
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 offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
