Netflix's Surprising Latest Zombie Film Injects New Life into a Overused Genre

For the most part, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre feels mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert my expectations turning out quite entertaining.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Development

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins using a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, an extremely undead-looking individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family before the tragedy struck.

In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly gives the audience enough time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos begins. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a former best friend, Karina, is now wed to Nes' father—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. The family head consists of Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy business named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this gathering is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits allowed the audience to relate with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus as much on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless provides sufficient time to settle into the setting prior to everything gets turned upside down.

Original Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, I wish the movie devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted supplier of holistic medicine to producing a lethal potion which seems to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this affliction has on humans proves absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to provoke one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive compared to the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of dubious choices (like any typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with the nearest blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes on family conflict when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly forgive you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable