The streaming giant's Unexpected Latest Undead Film Injects Fresh Air into a Tired Style

Typically, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels mostly depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for some time. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted when a van plows right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the tragedy occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting personalities allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

The film additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Despite the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on people proves absolutely disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a welcome realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a close spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound message regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable