Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.
Invested in the Conflict
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Origin
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are almost guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
