The streaming giant's Startling Latest Zombie Flick Breathes New Life into a Tired Genre

For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience enough time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could sound like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime to showing us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, so it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable