Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Development
Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing us who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
