Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was 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 often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
