For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to get to know its main personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making an abrupt shift into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is a captivating and entertaining
