Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. This household head is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Source
This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
