Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
