Abadi Nan Jaya [Movie Review]

Abadi Nan Jaya [Movie Review] | Shown as The Elixir on Netflix, I immediately watched the movie - at first thinking it was another South Korean's zombie movie (please take this as a compliment).

I still watched it until the end when I learnt that it is an Indonesian movie. Was it that good?

SYNOPSIS

Abadi Nan Jaya (2025) Trivia

• Also known as The Elixir
• Starring: Mikha Tambayong, Eva Celia Latjuba, Donny Damara, Marthino Lio, Dimas Anggara, Varen Arianda Calief, Ardit Erwandha & Claresta Taufan Kusumarina
• Director: Kimo Stamboel
• Producer: Edwin Nazir & Kimo Stamboel
• Production Company: Mowin Pictures

• Distributed by: Netflix
• Release date: October 23, 2025
• Running time: 116 minutes
• Rating: MA
• Country: Indonesia
• Language: Indonesian
• IMDb: 5.5 / 10
• Tomatometer: 24%
• Metascore: NA
• Over 200 actors were transformed into zombies, each taking up to three hours in make-up. Their eerie designs drew inspiration from the local carnivorous pitcher plant (kantong semar), giving the undead a distinct Indonesian touch. 
• First collaboration between Kimo and Netflix. 

The Sadimin family has long been known for their traditional jamu passed down through generations. Determined to preserve and elevate the family legacy, Sadimin begins experimenting with new concoctions, hoping to create the ultimate elixir: a potion that promises eternal youth.

Kenes returns home to talk about expanding the business with her father, Kenes. The only problem is she doesn't want to talk to her new stepmother, who was also her good friend, Karina. 

When Sadimin learns that his new concoction works, he changed his decision - he will not be selling his business. This decision screws Kenes' plan to get divorce from her husband and live a happy life with her son. Sadimin didn't give a damn about Kenes' problems.

At first, it seems to work. His face regains its youthful glow, his body feels stronger than ever, and his energy returns as if time itself had reversed. But the miracle soon turns into a nightmare. The potion’s side effects strike with brutal force asSadimin collapses, vomiting blood, before transforming into something monstrous. Sadimin is now a flesh-eating zombie driven by an insatiable hunger.

One by one, the villagers fall victim to his attacks. Every person bitten turns into the undead, and within days, the tranquil village becomes a wasteland overrun by zombies. Trapped amid the chaos are Sadimin’s wife, children, and grandchildren, struggling to survive the rampage of the man who once protected them. 

Can they escape, or will they too become part of the living dead?

MY REVIEW

What I Like:  

• I love the Indonesian flavour to the zombie movie.
• And I love that the last part hints at something else is coming too.

What I Don't Like:

• No new recipe in the zombieverse.
• I have trypophobia and the zombies in this movie triggers my phobia.

Will I Watch It Again: Yes, I don't mind watching it again.

Overall: 4.0/ 5.0

The pictures are taken from multiple sources on the Internet. Thank you.

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