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 were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.
Original Infection Origin
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable choices (as in any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel far more genuine.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
