Typically, 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 feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides enough time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some instances of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree 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 on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other seem far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
