The streaming giant's Surprising Latest Undead Film Breathes Fresh Air into a Stale Style

For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

One of the film's strongest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a ex close friend, Karina, has become married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably caused a falling out between Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine shock once events eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

The film also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable decision-making (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic 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 end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves family tensions. This makes those instances where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more genuine.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and enjoyable