Netflix's Startling Latest Undead Movie Injects Fresh Air into a Tired Category

Generally speaking, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest strengths is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, allowing us to observe this household before the disaster struck.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough opportunity to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. Naturally, this has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and he enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to her. This household head consists of Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of its runtime depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre 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 the undead to devour, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes from the gathering and various household exchanges actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world prior to it gets upended.

Original Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the spreading transformation. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better compared to the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights as death nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep message regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves a captivating and entertaining