Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense moment is immediately followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled me to relate with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and entertaining
