"The Elixir": Netflix's New Zombie Horror Hit You Need to See Now

Forget everything you thought you knew about zombies! Indonesia's latest horror flick, The Elixir, is tearing up the Netflix charts globally, offering a fresh, culturally rich, and incredibly intense take on the undead.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on "The Elixir"

• Indonesia's new horror film, The Elixir, is a massive global success on Netflix, topping non-English charts with over 11 million viewers.
• It injects unique Indonesian cultural elements and a deeply dysfunctional family drama into the classic zombie genre.
• Expect terrifyingly fast, smiling, and grotesque zombies, all thanks to a "miracle" herbal remedy gone catastrophically wrong.

A Global Sensation: "The Elixir" Is Taking Over Netflix Right Now

Alright, horror fans, if you thought the zombie genre was getting a little… stale, think again! A new contender has just dropped on Netflix, and it’s proving that there’s still plenty of life (or, well, undeath) left in the brain-eating business. We’re talking about The Elixir, an Indonesian horror film that debuted on October 23rd and has already clawed its way to the top of Netflix’s global non-English film charts.

This movie isn't just a minor hit; it’s a full-blown phenomenon. In its first few days alone, The Elixir racked up more than 11 million viewers worldwide! It landed in the top spot in five different markets and crashed into the top 10 most-watched films in a whopping 75 territories across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. From Japan and South Korea to Germany, France, Canada, and Brazil, people everywhere are getting a taste of this unique brand of zombie chaos. It even snagged the No. 5 spot on the UK film chart. Not bad for a film that apparently didn't even have a massive marketing push!

The Story Behind the Scares: A Family Business Gone Horrifically Wrong

At its core, The Elixir tells the twisted tale of a highly dysfunctional family running Wani Waras, an herbal remedies business in a quiet village just outside Yogyakarta, Indonesia (some sources specify Wanirejo Village in Central Java). The family patriarch, Sadimin (played by Donny Damara), is obsessed with making a scientific and financial breakthrough, hoping to create a new "elixir" for eternal youth and big profits.

Naturally, because this is a horror movie, his quest for immortality goes spectacularly, catastrophically wrong. Instead of eternal youth, his experimental concoction unleashes a deadly zombie outbreak. Suddenly, this family, who were already pretty much at each other’s throats – with tensions like daughter Kenes (Mikha Tambayong) resenting her father's marriage to her former best friend Karina (Eva Celia), and husband Rudi (Dimas Anggara) having cheated on Kenes – find themselves in the ultimate survival situation. Their previous intolerance for one another has to take a backseat as they're forced to unite and fight for their lives against the rapidly spreading undead.

Injecting Indonesian Culture into the Zombie Apocalypse Narrative

What really sets The Elixir apart from your average zombie flick is its deep roots in Indonesian culture. Director Kimo Stamboel, known for his work in horror alongside Timo Tjahjanto as "The Mo Brothers," didn't just set the story in Indonesia; he made it truly Indonesian from the ground up.

The film incorporates elements like "jamu," traditional Indonesian herbal remedies, which forms the very basis of the family's ill-fated business. The setting of Javanese villages, with creatures modeled after the country’s native pitcher plant, gives the zombies a uniquely local flair. It’s a culturally specific interpretation that resonates far beyond its borders.

"I wanted to create a zombie film that truly feels Indonesian – not just through its setting or language, but through its very core story. From Jamu and Javanese villages to family dynamics. Seeing the film embraced by audiences across countries proves that local stories can have a global resonance."

— Kimo Stamboel, Director

Eva Celia, who plays Karina, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the universal appeal of the film's core themes amidst the horror.

"I never expected a story so close to our daily lives – about family, ambition, and loss – to resonate so strongly both at home and abroad. ‘The Elixir’ may feature zombies, but at its heart, it’s about family and humanity. Personally, it’s been such a meaningful experience to bring a story rooted in Indonesian culture to global audiences and see how warmly they’ve responded.”

— Eva Celia, Actress (Karina)

The Undead Unleashed: Prepare for Fast, Freaky, and Smiling Zombies!

If you're tired of the slow, shuffling zombies, get ready for a serious upgrade. The Elixir’s undead are anything but sluggish. They’re fast, relentless, and truly repulsive. Imagine bodies covered in stomach-churning crawling skin rashes, yellow eyes, blood-drooling mouths, and jerky limb movements accompanied by prominent "crackity-bones" noises. And here's a truly chilling detail: these zombies often appear to be smiling with a look of twisted ecstasy as they pursue their prey.

The film also throws in a peculiar "wrinkle" to the zombie mythos: they are temporarily slowed down or "mollified" by rainfall. While it might make for some head-scratching moments, it adds a unique visual dynamic to the action sequences. Director Kimo Stamboel clearly poured his budget into impressive practical effects and CGI, making these zombies some of the most grotesquely convincing you'll see. Be warned: if you have trypophobia, some of the visuals might just trigger it!

Audience and Critical Reactions: A Visceral Experience with a Mixed Bag

So, what are people saying about this new horror contender? Well, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, but one that undeniably delivers on scares and intensity. Critics and audiences alike have praised the film for its dynamic camerawork, furious pacing, and visually intriguing rural setting. Many agree that the film’s practical effects and CGI are top-notch, delivering plenty of satisfying gore and action. The movie doesn't shy away from being brutal and kinetic, offering a raw, visceral experience.

However, some reviews point out that the film’s nearly two-hour runtime can feel stretched, attempting to cram in too many ideas and emotional subplots. While the focus on family drama is appreciated for building character connection, some found the "emotional breaks" to drag down the action or that the characters sometimes make frustratingly illogical decisions. One review even described it as "obnoxious rubbish" in terms of story, despite praising the technical aspects.

Yet, for many, the film's unique approach and relentless scares outweigh any narrative imperfections. One Reddit user, speaking from an Indonesian perspective, highlighted its authenticity:

"As an Indonesian, specifically as someone who knows a lot about the demographic and cultural significance of that particular location (Central Java), this is a somewhat realistic portrayal of zombie apocalypse situation in a remote rural area in Indonesia... It feels authentic and channels my frustrations on a lot of my own experiences of being Indonesian."

Whether you're rooting for the dysfunctional family or just there for the sheer zombie carnage, The Elixir promises an entertaining, if sometimes maddening, ride that revitalizes the genre.

Meet the Talented Cast Bringing the Carnage to Life

A big part of what makes any film engaging is its cast, and The Elixir features a solid ensemble bringing their A-game to the terrifying narrative. Here are some of the key players:

• Mikha Tambayong as Kenes (or Nes), the daughter grappling with family strife.
• Eva Celia as Karina, the young wife of the patriarch and Kenes's former best friend.
• Donny Damara as Sadimin (or Pak), the patriarch whose experiment unleashes the horror.
• Dimas Anggara as Rudi, Kenes's husband.
• Marthino Lio as Bang (or Bambang), the slacker son.
• Varen Arianda Calief as Han (or Raihan), Kenes and Rudi's young son.
• Claresta Taufan as Ningsih, a party guest caught in the outbreak.
• Ardit Erwandha as Rahman, Ningsih's cop boyfriend.
• Kiki Narendra in an undisclosed role.

Ready to Dive into the Chaos? Here's How to Watch "The Elixir"

If The Elixir sounds like your kind of thrilling, gruesome, and culturally rich horror experience, you’re in luck! It’s super easy to watch.

You can stream The Elixir exclusively on Netflix right now. So grab some popcorn (maybe not herbal remedies), dim the lights, and prepare for a unique zombie apocalypse that's got the world talking.

Frequently Asked Questions About "The Elixir"

What is "The Elixir" about?

It's an Indonesian zombie horror film centered on a dysfunctional family whose herbal medicine business inadvertently unleashes a deadly zombie outbreak through an experimental "elixir." They must then unite to survive the chaos.

Where can I watch "The Elixir"?

The Elixir is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.

How long is "The Elixir"?

The film has a runtime of 116 minutes, or just under two hours.

Who directed "The Elixir"?

The Elixir was directed by Kimo Stamboel, known for his work in Indonesian horror cinema.

Sources:

• Variety: Indonesian Zombie Horror ‘The Elixir’ Tops Netflix’s Global Non-English Film Chart (Oct 30, 2025)
• Collider: This Underrated Zombie Movie Is Secretly Taking Over Netflix (No Marketing Needed)
• Polygon: Netflix’s new Indonesian zombie movie is one of the best I’ve seen in years
• Daily Express: New fast zombie horror movie running up Netflix UK Top 10
• ComicBook.com: New Netflix Zombie Movie is "Ragebait" and "Excitingly Annoying"
• Bloody Disgusting: ‘The Elixir’ Review – Indonesian Zombie Movie is an Overstuffed but Visceral Experience
• Decider: ‘The Elixir’ Netflix Review: Stream It Or Skip It?
• MovieWeb: Netflix's New Zombie Movie is Topping Global Charts, But Does it Deserve To?
• Netflix Life: The Elixir on Netflix is a thrilling, blood-soaked ride from start to finish
• Paris Select: The Elixir arrives on Netflix in 2025: Indonesian horror film