For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although 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 highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike 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 as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, 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 end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
