The streaming giant's Startling Latest Undead Flick Injects Fresh Air into a Tired Category

For the most part, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost overlooked this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often presents characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and are practically guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she's still clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes those instances where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable