Generally speaking, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know the primary personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member represents, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare accomplishment for this style that often presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
This movie also offers a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick 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 freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
