The streaming giant's Surprising Latest Undead Flick Injects Fresh Air into a Tired Genre

Generally speaking, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved quite entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Growth

One of this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It begins using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is her dad, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems focused on just two aspects: his business and his marriage to Nes' former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities allowed the audience to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this affliction has on people proves absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear very realistic, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are some examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show appreciation for each other seem much more genuine.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective scares, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable