The streaming giant's Surprising New Undead Flick Injects New Life into a Overused Category

Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.

Superb Rhythm and Character Growth

Among this movie's greatest strengths lies in the excellent pacing. It begins with a striking opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the attendees. This dramatic scene is then followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.

Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient opportunity to become acquainted with the primary personalities before the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably led to a rift among the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is kind-hearted but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.

Engaged in the Drama

I became so engrossed with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but in the end paid off. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers who each family member is, and how they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits allowed me to relate to the personalities sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment for this style that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, thus it's a real shock when things eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences of the party and various family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to settle into its world before it gets turned upside down.

Original Infection Origin

This movie also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of an accidental lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition originates in a recent batch from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the movie had spent a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people proves absolutely repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's zombies are quick, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI are also very realistic, and they're practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, there are some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it on the skull with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of standing still like prey in headlights as death nears.

Realistic Familial Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately forgive you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters do show gratitude toward one another seem much more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting any deep insight about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly serving up frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and enjoyable