Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.
Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth
One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.
In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household head is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Drama
I became so engrossed in the household's issues and their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Zombification Source
This movie also offers a fairly intriguing reason for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to producing a deadly potion which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Realistic Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
