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Netflix's Startling Latest Zombie Flick Breathes Fresh Air into a Stale Genre
Generally speaking, I'm over undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, Netflix's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Personal Growth
One of the film's strongest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently interrupted by a vehicle plows into the seating section. Out of the van, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is immediately succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household prior to the tragedy struck.
Unlike many undead movies, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly awkward dynamic. This has predictably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household head is Nes' father, who runs a popular herbal remedy company called Wani Waras, and he appears focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers the identity of every family member represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to relate to the personalities enough to care about their fate—an uncommon accomplishment for this style that often introduces characters only to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock once events eventually go wrong.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial scenes of the party and various family interactions actually bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a K-Drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy before taking an abrupt shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir still provides enough time to immerse in the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
This movie additionally presents a quite intriguing reason for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease originates in a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted a little more focus on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to creating a deadly elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the limited context, the impact this affliction produces on humans is utterly disgusting, which I love it. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear very realistic, and they're almost guaranteed to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting moments is the cast themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find rather than freezing like a deer in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto resentment over his betrayal in their relationship. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This causes the moments when these characters do show appreciation toward one another feel much more genuine.
Predictable Ending
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the ending must be said to be a bit formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep insight about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily delivering scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film gives each character enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is a captivating and enjoyable
Arthur Perry
Elara Vance is a luxury travel expert with over a decade of experience exploring exclusive destinations worldwide.
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