For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
