Why you have to see Netflix’s new zombie hit The Elixir – and why it’s obsessed with a juice drink

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Following the success of The Substance, Netflix has another thrilling and gruesome body horror film with The Elixir. This Indonesian movie, originally titled Abadi Nan Jaya, centers around a zombie outbreak caused by a mysterious drink based on a real-life concoction. Directed by Kimo Stamboel, The Elixir has quickly become popular on Netflix, gaining a spot on the global most-watched list with its wild take on a zombie apocalypse.

Located in Wanurejo, Central Java, the story of The Elixir follows a troubled family who must unite to defend themselves against waves of hungry zombies.

The recent outbreak started with a new version of jamu, a traditional Indonesian drink made from natural ingredients like roots, bark, and flowers. Jamu is believed to have medicinal benefits.

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Jamu company owner Sadimin (Donny Damara) is happily sampling a new batch of his product, unaware that trouble is brewing.

Feeling refreshed by the drink, Sadimin is eager to share his new business idea with his wife, Karina, his children Kenes and Bambang, and Kenes’s separated husband, Rudi.

He announced the arrival of a new herbal remedy, predicting it would bring significant changes. Kissing the bottles of green juice, he claimed they contained a potion for eternal youth. “Look,” he said, pointing to himself, “no more grey hair, no more needing glasses!” He confidently asserted that this mixture would revolutionize the world.

It won’t be long before all of Indonesia is overrun by starving, flesh-eating monsters.

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What exactly is jamu?

Jamu is a traditional Indonesian herbal drink believed to offer many health benefits, but it’s much more than just medicine – it’s deeply rooted in Indonesian culture.

The word “jamu” originally meant a prayer for good health in old Javanese. Today, jamu refers to a traditional Indonesian herbal drink – and there are over 15,000 recorded recipes, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Health (via BBC Travel). It’s much more than just a beverage.

Jamu is deeply rooted in Indonesian culture, similar to how tea is in Britain or espresso is in Italy. Its importance was officially acknowledged in December 2023 when UNESCO designated Jamu wellness culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Indonesia.

Indonesian millennials and Gen Z are rediscovering a traditional Javanese drink, adding their own modern twists to a recipe that dates back 1,300 years to the royal courts.

Jamu, a traditional Indonesian drink, is experiencing a revival. You can now find it in trendy Bali bars and being embraced by new generations carrying on family traditions. This resurgence has even inspired a playful idea – jamu is central to the plot of a fictional zombie apocalypse!

How does Netflix’s The Elixir end?

Kenes witnesses her father become a zombie and, while trying to escape, loses her son, Raihan (Varen Alianda Calief), in the chaos.

I was so worried when I heard she and Bambang had to hide out at the police station! Thankfully, she got through to Raihan on the phone, which was a huge relief. Then, Kenes found out Raihan was with Karina and immediately decided he had to go get them – a full-on rescue mission to bring everyone back together! It was such a tense moment, but I was rooting for them the whole time.

On their way back, Kenes’s van crashes into the police building, badly injuring Bambang.

Pinned beneath the damaged car, which was leaking fuel, he made the ultimate sacrifice. He used a firework to lure the zombies away, then detonated it along with himself, allowing his friends to escape to safety.

The Elixir has one more sad twist in store for Kenes after losing her brother.

Stepping outside, she discovers she’s been bitten. With a tearful farewell, she gives Raihan to Karina and, to prevent becoming a zombie, takes her own life.

The movie concludes with Karina and Kenes’s son riding off on a motorcycle, leaving their ruined village behind. However, the dangerous situation isn’t over yet.

After the credits, we see Mrs. Grace in Jakarta preparing for an event. She tells her husband she’s just drunk the jamu herself, revealing the infection has now spread to the capital city.

The Elixir is streaming on Netflix.

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2025-10-29 12:50