Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient time to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
