Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted when a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a real surprise when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden turn into shocking ground. These early moments don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in the setting prior to it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Origin
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading 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 natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of questionable decision-making (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like prey in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
