The streaming giant's Surprising New Undead Film Injects New Life into a Stale Style

Typically, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, 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 excellent pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film depicting us the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this affliction produces on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a welcome authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and entertaining