For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development
Among this movie's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting personalities enabled me to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a real shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.
Original Zombification Source
The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Characters
More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer in headlights while danger nears.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express appreciation for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
