Netflix's Surprising Latest Zombie Flick Breathes New Life into a Overused Style

Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, this category feels largely depleted at this point. Even the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert my expectations turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

One of this movie's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off with a striking initial scene in which a peaceful family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows right into the seating section. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually gives the audience enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters before the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who loves gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this household's issues along with their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—which might sound like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This focus on conflicting traits allowed the audience to connect with the characters sufficiently to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself like a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments aren't centered as much on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film also offers a fairly interesting reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this infectious condition stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly potion that appears to include an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition produces on people proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and they're practically guaranteed to provoke a fear of holes.

Resourceful Characters

More impressive than the gross-out scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some examples of questionable decision-making (like any typical zombie movie), however generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.

Believable Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic deviation from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in apocalyptic movies. It's clear, Nes loves her family and values her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to meet up at a close spot. However, once Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been brewing for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude for each other seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and entertaining