Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Superb Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These introductory moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
