Netflix's Startling New Zombie Movie Injects New Life into a Overused Category

For the most part, I've grown tired of apocalyptic horror. Although favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, Netflix's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Rhythm and Personal Growth

Among the film's strongest assets lies in the excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely undead-looking stranger emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This intense moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to see the family prior to the disaster occurred.

Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and he loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately been unfaithful to Nes. The family patriarch is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative represents, and how they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock once events finally deteriorate.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor prior to making an abrupt turn into "holy shit" territory. These early scenes don't focus too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Source

The film also offers a quite interesting reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras transitioned from a reputable supplier of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans is absolutely repulsive, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring choice, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI are also quite realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

More impressive than the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (like any any good zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available rather than standing still like prey in headlights while danger nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a pleasantly authentic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing for years. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more genuine.

Stereotypical Conclusion

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the result proves an engaging and entertaining