Netflix's Unexpected Latest Undead Movie Injects Fresh Air into a Overused Category

For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly disrupted by a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to see the family before the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of its runtime to showing us who each family member is, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden shift into shocking territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting before it gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a deadly elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on people proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable