The Elixir (Abadi Nan Jaya)

Source: Netflix

‘The Elixir (Abadi Nan Jaya)’

Kimo Stamboel’s Indonesian zombie film The Elixir has become the number one non-English film on Netflix’s global top 10 chart, amassing more than 11 million views within a few days of its October 23 release.

From October 20-26, the Netflix original claimed the top spot in five countries and broke into the top 10 in 75 countries, including Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, Germany, France, South Africa, Turkey, the Dominican Republic, Canada and Brazil.

Indonesian entertainment is proving increasingly popular among global streaming audiences. The film, locally known as Abadi Nan Jaya, follows in the footsteps of Lucky Kuswandi’s romantic drama A Normal Woman and Anggy Umbara’s psychological drama Promised Hearts, both Indonesian films that debuted on the streaming platform earlier this year and led Netflix’s global top 10 after release.

Billed as the first zombie film from Netflix Indonesia, The Elixir blends local culture and distinct-looking zombies inspired by Indonesia’s native pitcher plant. “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,” said director and co-writer Kimo on his first zombie-themed film.

Set in a remote village near Yogyakarta in Central Java, the story revolves around a family that owns a renowned traditional herbal drink (Jamu) business. The patriarch’s ambition to pursue eternal youth triggers both a family rift and an unexpected zombie outbreak.

It is produced by Edwin Nazir with Mowin Pictures as production service company. The main cast includes Mikha Tambayong, Eva Celia, Donny Damara, Dimas Anggara and Marthino Lio.

Kimo is known as a horror maestro whose credits include 2023’s Sewu Dino and 2024’s Dancing Village: The Curse Begins, both major hits at the Indonesian box office. His upcoming horror film Janur Ireng, a prequel to Sewu Dino, is scheduled for release on December 24.

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