Netflix's Startling Latest Undead Film Injects Fresh Air into a Tired Genre

Typically, I've had my fill of undead films. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth

Among the film's greatest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family party gets suddenly disrupted by a van crashes into the seating section. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know the primary characters before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has predictably led to a falling out between Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head is Nes' father, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two aspects: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I became so invested with this household's issues and their personal conflicts that I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things finally deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Infection Origin

The film also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of context, the effect this affliction has on people is utterly repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see a few instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—seem authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful frights, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves a captivating and enjoyable