For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing us who each family member is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Origin
The film also offers a quite interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
