Typically, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted at this point. Yet 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, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's greatest assets is its superb pacing. It begins with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on Nes. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre that often presents characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, 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 which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of questionable choices (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable
