'The Elixir' brings Indonesian zombies to the world

Netflix’s latest Indonesian horror hit, "The Elixir," directed by acclaimed filmmaker Kimo Stamboel, has taken the world by storm.

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Since its release on October 23, the film has soared to the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English Films list, amassing over 11 million views in just a matter of days.

During the week of October 20-26, The Elixir ranked No. 1 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.

Audiences around the world have embraced The Elixir for its pulse-pounding thrills and its unmistakably Indonesian flavor. The film blends rich cultural elements, strikingly original zombie designs, and top-tier production value to deliver a fresh take on the zombie genre — one that feels both universal and deeply local.

Director Kimo Stamboel set out to craft a zombie survival horror that would resonate with Indonesian audiences while captivating viewers worldwide.

“I wanted to create a zombie film that truly feels Indonesian, not just in its setting or language, but in its very core,” Kimo explains. “From Jamu and Javanese villages to the dynamics of family, this story is rooted in our culture. Seeing it embraced globally proves that local stories can have universal resonance.”