Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
