The streaming giant's Startling Latest Undead Flick Breathes Fresh Air into a Tired Category

For the most part, I've had my fill of apocalyptic horror. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted at this point. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's new Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved quite enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Character Development

One of the film's greatest assets is its excellent rhythm. It begins with a memorable opening sequence in which a peaceful family gathering is violently interrupted by a vehicle crashes into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the attendees. This intense scene is then succeeded by a flashback, allowing us to observe the family prior to the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage begins. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable situation. This has understandably led to a falling out between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. This household head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine business named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.

Invested in the Conflict

I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their personal conflicts that I almost overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately worked well. The Elixir dedicates a considerable portion of the film to showing us who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on conflicting traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat in a genre which frequently presents characters only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as flat, expendable casualties for an army of zombies to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Reminiscent of Parasite

The initial scenes from the gathering and various family interactions actually evoke the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into shocking ground. These early scenes don't focus as much on comedy compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives enough opportunity to immerse in its world prior to it gets turned upside down.

Unique Zombification Source

This movie additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Rather than an accidental lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the cause for this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. While we do learn something regarding how it started, I wish the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of context, the impact this condition has on humans is utterly repulsive, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead are fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics also appear quite convincing, and are almost certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Resourceful Personalities

Even better than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some instances of questionable choices (like any typical undead film), however for the most part, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike a zombie in the face, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with the nearest heavy object is available rather than standing still like a deer in headlights as death nears.

Believable Family Discord

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the idea that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express appreciation for each other feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the movie gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and enjoyable