For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster struck.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a quite interesting reason for the source of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable
