For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world before everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable
