The streaming giant's Unexpected Latest Undead Flick Breathes Fresh Air into a Tired Genre

For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels mostly depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Growth

One of this movie's greatest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger emerges and begins attacking the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves playing video games with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested with this family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of the film to showing viewers who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a real shock when things finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact evoke the movie Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to taking an abrupt turn toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in any good undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Realistic Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable