The streaming giant's Startling Latest Undead Film Breathes New Life into a Tired Style

Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely depleted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene where a calm family gathering is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives viewers enough time to get to know its main personalities prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly awkward situation. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a horror film—which might seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every family member represents, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift into "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Source

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about how it started, it would have been better if the film had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction has on people is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the head, 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 as death approaches.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. But they're successful scares, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome is a captivating and entertaining