Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory moments aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the effect this condition has on people is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining
