Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction produces on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
