For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately cheated on her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to devour, so it's a real shock once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about how it started, I wish the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see a few instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and enjoyable
