The streaming giant's Startling New Undead Film Injects Fresh Air into a Overused Style

For the most part, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations turning out remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable initial scene where a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the partygoers. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know the primary personalities before the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch consists of Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I nearly overlooked this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed the audience to relate with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat in a genre which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a real surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift into shocking ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to immerse in its world prior to everything gets upended.

Original Infection Source

This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of dubious choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable