The streaming giant's Startling Latest Zombie Film Breathes New Life into a Stale Category

For the most part, I've had my fill of undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

One of the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to see the family prior to the tragedy struck.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly allows the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable situation. This has predictably caused a falling out between the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is kind-hearted but socially awkward, and he loves playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative is, and how they contribute to the overall dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre which frequently presents characters only to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to devour, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before making an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to immerse in its world before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting explanation regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the effect this condition has on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive compared to the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of questionable choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to bitterness over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals express gratitude for each other seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are successful frights, and because the film gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining