The streaming giant's Startling Latest Undead Film Breathes New Life into a Overused Style

For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably entertaining.

Impressive Pacing and Character Development

Among this movie's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a memorable opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently interrupted when a van crashes right into the seating section. Out of the van, a very undead-looking stranger emerges and begins assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then followed by a look back, allowing us to see the family before the disaster occurred.

In contrast to many undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to get to know its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. This has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. This household patriarch is her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his work and his wife to Nes' former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly tense.

Engaged in the Conflict

I found myself so engrossed in the household's issues along with their personal conflicts to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately worked well. The Elixir spends a significant amount of the film depicting viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect with the characters enough to care about their outcome—an uncommon feat for this style which frequently presents individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening scenes of the party and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a Korean drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking a sudden turn into "holy shit" territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to settle into its world before everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Source

This movie additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film devoted additional time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable supplier of natural treatments to creating a deadly potion which seems to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Personalities

More impressive than the gross-out moments is the cast themselves. Certainly, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (as in any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with the nearest heavy object is available rather than freezing like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Believable Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals start turning into zombies, which was a welcome realistic subversion from that "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. It's clear, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also clear she's still holding onto bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide over the phone to meet up at a nearby spot. However, once Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration on her brother that's clearly been building over time. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This causes those instances where these individuals do show appreciation toward one another feel far more genuine.

Predictable Ending

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the conclusion is admittedly a bit formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result proves an engaging and enjoyable