Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Pacing and Character Development
Among the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
