Netflix's Unexpected Latest Undead Film Breathes New Life into a Stale Genre

For the most part, I'm over undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted when a vehicle crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the chaos begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who seems to care about only two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so invested in the family's dynamics and their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a horror film—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities enabled the audience to connect to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare feat in a genre that often presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, so it's a genuine shock once events finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades like a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid humor prior to making an abrupt shift toward shocking territory. These introductory scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient time to settle into its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Origin

The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited context, the effect this condition has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

Even better than the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly forgive you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains clinging to resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her family—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or community, either. Rather, it's primarily delivering scares. Yet these are effective frights, and since the movie gives each character enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining