Netflix's Startling New Zombie Film Breathes Fresh Air into a Stale Style

Generally speaking, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly depleted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved quite entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's greatest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family party gets suddenly interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular natural medicine company called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about only two things: his business and his marriage to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely strained.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film to showing us the identity of every relative is, and how they contribute to the overall turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—an uncommon accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making an abrupt turn into shocking territory. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough time to settle into the setting prior to it gets upended.

Original Infection Source

This movie also offers a fairly interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion that appears to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition produces on people is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord once individuals begin transforming to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals do show appreciation for each other seem far more sincere.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining