Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's greatest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, giving viewers to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a falling out among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to it gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people proves utterly disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message about family or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
