Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even 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, managed to subvert my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy prior to taking a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Personalities
More impressive than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable
