Netflix's Startling Latest Undead Movie Breathes New Life into a Tired Category

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 proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest strengths is its superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably led to a rift between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might sound like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting us who each family member represents, plus the ways they add to the overall turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama with somewhat morbid humor prior to making a sudden turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to it gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the movie devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this affliction produces on people is absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives are inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide via telephone to meet up at a close location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of 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 society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective frights, and since the film allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining