The Elixir – Movie Review | Netflix (3/5)

THE ELIXIR on Netflix is a new Zombie Horror Movie where the zombies are super-fast and the effects are very impressive. Unfortunately, most characters react and act in stupid ways, but that just means most won’t make it. Read our full The Elixir movie review here!

THE ELIXIR is a new Netflix horror movie with zombies. Lots of zombies. And not the slow and stupid kind, but the very fast and relentless kind. Like the zombies of World War Z or Train to Busan.

The effects are impressive for this zombie horror movie, which makes it all come together very efficiently. It is, however, too long at almost two hours of runtime. The story can handle it for the most part, but it still would’ve been stronger with a shorter runtime.

Continue reading our The Elixir horror movie review below. Find it on Netflix from October 23, 2025.

From eternal youth to being undead

Just as in many other zombie movies, The Elixir also begins with a medical experiment. In the iconic 28 Days Later (and its sequels), it was all about weaponizing rage. And in I Am Legend, it was a cure for cancer that may have healed cancer, but turned the patients into zombies.

With The Elixir, it’s the search for eternal youth that starts the zombie apocalypse. Having tried a new potion, the effects are immediate, and a man looks years (if not decades) younger in record time.

However, before long, something strange happens to his skin. It’s a very efficient special effect where the skin essentially dissolves. Think of a bath bomb when it meets water, but now it’s just happening to the skin on someone’s face.

Then their eyes glaze over and black blood spills from their mouths. Next thing, they want to eat you, so you’d better run. And fast. These zombies are unstoppable.

Please communicate better

While much of The Elixir makes for a very entertaining and efficient zombie horror movie, the characters did annoy me quite a lot. Mostly, their lack of communication made for some predictable and irritating scenes.

I realize they’re all experiencing something new and strange, but surely, it is possible to warn other people of the dangers.

The Elixir is set in a remote village near Yogyakarta, so obviously, this also includes its own challenges. Buildings are far apart and often built with rather flimsy materials. Closing the door on a horde of zombies won’t buy you much time.

The rain, however, seems to offer some welcome relief, which was a nice new element to the zombie lore.

Needless to say, panic runs wild as these undead creatures with dissolving skin are pouncing on everything with a pulse. All family drama fueled by egos and emotions must be put on the back burner if they are to have any hope of surviving this initial wave of the zombie apocalypse.

Watch The Elixir on Netflix now

The Indonesian zombie horror movie is written by director Kimo Stamboel (The Queen of Black Magic) alongside Agasyah Karim and Khalid Kashogi, with Edwin Nazir serving as producer.

Two of the key characters may be familiar to you as Kenes is portrayed by Mikha Tambayong (Blood Curse) and Karina is played by Eva Celia (The Shadow Strays). However, trust me, whether you know these actors or not, it won’t matter much.

WANT MORE ZOMBIES?

Check out our review of Queens of the Dead here >>>

The practical and special effects of The Elixir should satisfy most horror fans. And if you also like zombie movies, then watching this on Netflix should be a no-brainer (oh yes, pun very much intended). Check it out and have fun with these teeth-chattering zombies!

The Elixir premieres on Netflix on October 23, 2025.

Details

Director: Kimo Stamboel
Screenwriters: Kimo Stamboel, Agasyah Karim, Khalid Kashogi
Cast: Mikha Tambayong, Eva Celia, Donny Damara, Dimas Anggara, Marthino Lio, Kiki Narendra, Varen Arianda Calief