Netflix's Unexpected New Undead Flick Breathes New Life into a Stale Style

For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre feels largely exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the superb rhythm. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a calm family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former close friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. This household patriarch is Nes' father, who runs a well-known herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and who seems focused on only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Drama

I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts that I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could sound like a negative, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us who each relative represents, and how they add to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a K-Drama with slightly dark humor prior to taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.

Original Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the cause for this infectious condition stems from a new sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding its origins, it would have been better if the movie devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly potion that appears to include a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of context, the effect this condition produces on humans proves utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear very convincing, and are practically certain to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in end-of-world films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're successful frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining