The streaming giant's Startling New Undead Movie Breathes Fresh Air into a Overused Category

For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably led to a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to connect with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're almost certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object they find rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining