The Elixir is the newest Indonesian horror film on Netflix, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Kimo Stamboel, known for creating dark, suspenseful, and emotionally charged stories. Blending Indonesian culture with the traditional zombie genre, this movie promises a thrilling, bloody, and heartfelt experience. Premiering worldwide on October 23, 2025, it arrives just in time for Halloween.
Furthermore, The Elixir stands out for combining family drama, myth, and apocalyptic horror, bringing a fresh perspective to zombie cinema with a strong cultural foundation.
Synopsis of The Elixir
Set in the remote village of Wanirejo, the story begins when a patriarch running a traditional herbal medicine business decides to innovate by developing a miraculous elixir of eternal youth. However, his ambition leads to disaster. After drinking the potion himself, he triggers an outbreak that resurrects the dead, spreading chaos and terror across the village.
As the undead rise, a fractured family must overcome their resentment and differences to survive. Each member faces moral dilemmas and emotional breakdowns while fighting for their lives. The film explores how greed, power, and fear can destroy both humanity and love, turning the supernatural horror into a mirror of society itself.
Who is in the cast of The Elixir?
The cast of The Elixir features an exceptional lineup of Indonesian talent who bring emotional depth and realism to their roles:
- Mikha Tambayong as Kenes, the courageous daughter determined to protect her family.
- Eva Celia as Karina, the best friend caught in a dangerous and emotional love triangle.
- Donny Damara as Sadimin, the patriarch whose creation of the elixir leads to catastrophe.
- Marthino Lio, playing one of the survivors trying to restore order.
- Dimas Anggara, portraying a loyal ally who helps the family fight the undead.
- Varen Arianda Calief, Ardit Erwandha, and Claresta Taufan, completing the cast with intense and memorable performances.
Each actor adds a unique layer of emotion and tension, making the audience genuinely care about their fate while navigating a terrifying world.
How Many Episodes Does The Elixir Have?
Unlike a TV series, The Elixir is a feature-length horror movie running approximately two hours. Therefore, it’s ideal for viewers looking for a complete and immersive horror experience without committing to multiple episodes.
Trailer of The Elixir
Is The Elixir Worth Watching?
If you’re a fan of zombie horror films, The Elixir is a must-watch. It blends the relentless intensity of apocalyptic stories with emotional and cultural depth rarely seen in the genre. The movie incorporates Indonesia’s traditional jamu herbal medicine culture as a key element in the plot, adding a fascinating layer of authenticity.
Director Kimo Stamboel, known for The Queen of Black Magic and Dancing Village: The Curse Begins, once again proves his mastery of horror. His ability to balance psychological tension, visceral scares, and emotional storytelling keeps viewers on edge from start to finish.
Additionally, the film’s cinematography is dark and atmospheric, and its practical effects are gruesome yet believable, making each scene both horrifying and captivating. However, The Elixir isn’t only about fear — it’s also a reflection on ambition, family bonds, and redemption. Because of this, it delivers an experience that’s as thought-provoking as it is terrifying.
Fun Facts About The Elixir
- The film was shot in and around Yogyakarta, one of Indonesia’s cultural and historical centers.
- The screenplay was written by Kimo Stamboel, Agasyah Karim, and Khalid Kashogi, combining Indonesian mythology with Western zombie influences.
- It will premiere on Netflix during Halloween season, a perfect time for horror enthusiasts.
- The Elixir is part of Netflix’s broader initiative to expand its Asian horror catalog, particularly from Indonesia and Thailand.
- Moreover, the film incorporates local folklore elements, making it a unique hybrid of traditional storytelling and modern horror.
Where to Watch The Elixir?
The Elixir will be available exclusively on Netflix starting October 23, 2025. Simply search for the title in the platform’s catalog. Since it’s a global release, audiences from all over the world will be able to stream it simultaneously and join the Halloween scares together.
Review of The Elixir
In The Elixir, a desperate search for eternal youth turns into a nightmare when a family patriarch’s new potion resurrects the dead. As the undead terror spreads, the family must confront their inner demons while battling for survival. Because of their greed and choices, they face consequences far beyond imagination.
The movie masterfully combines visceral horror, emotional storytelling, and cultural symbolism, positioning it among Netflix’s best horror films of 2025.
Conclusion
The Elixir is not just a zombie film — it’s a gripping exploration of ambition, survival, and humanity. The story’s emotional depth, paired with Kimo Stamboel’s direction and Netflix’s high production quality, makes it an unmissable addition to this year’s horror lineup.
While many zombie stories rely solely on gore, The Elixir succeeds by adding layers of meaning and cultural resonance. Therefore, if you enjoy smart, terrifying, and emotionally charged horror, this film deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Read also: Everything You Need to Know About The Time That Remains
I’m Milly, from Brazil — passionate about discoveries, K-dramas, series, and cinema. In this blog, I bring together my two greatest loves: exploring the world and telling great stories. I share travel experiences, entertainment recommendations, and tips that connect culture, technology, and emotion. Here, every read is a new journey.
