The Elixir (2025) is an Indonesian horror-thriller rooted in local tradition and a devastating zombie outbreak. It is directed by Kimo Stamboel and written by Kimo Stamboel with collaborators.

The cast includes Mikha Tambayong, Eva Celia, Donny Damara, and Dimas Anggara. The story follows a family that makes herbal medicine in a remote village near Yogyakarta.

Their patriarch’s attempt to create an elixir for power and longevity backfires, triggering a plague that turns villagers into violent undead. The film premieres globally on Netflix on October 23, 2025, and is distributed by Netflix.

The Elixir Age Rating

Netflix lists The Elixir as TV-MA for mature audiences. This rating signals content intended for adults and may include strong violence, horror imagery, and disturbing themes. The Netflix page and streaming entry specify TV-MA and label the film as horror.

Violence & Peril

The violence in The Elixir is strong and intense, consistent with director Kimo Stamboel’s reputation for visceral horror. Viewers can expect large-scale outbreak sequences, close-quarters zombie attacks, and graphic depictions of blood and gore. Several scenes involve people being bitten or torn apart, emphasizing the brutality of the infection. The film leans heavily into vivid zombie violence and prolonged chase sequences. The overall atmosphere is marked by high tension, claustrophobic village settings, and moments of sheer panic, with the story exploring how fear leads to moral collapse under pressure.

Language

Language use in the film appears moderate, with strong words likely to surface during frantic confrontations and moments of panic. However, the film’s Netflix rating of TV-MA is tied more to its violence and horror elements than to pervasive profanity. Explicit language is not expected to dominate the dialogue, making it a secondary concern compared to the graphic outbreak imagery and thematic dread.

Mature Themes

Beyond its graphic violence, The Elixir delves into several mature themes. Death and contagion form the backbone of the story, paired with depictions of grief, public panic, and the disintegration of family bonds under stress. At its core is a meditation on obsession, particularly the patriarch’s dangerous pursuit of power and immortality, which sparks the outbreak. Indonesian cultural traditions—especially the use of herbal medicine—are woven deeply into the narrative, giving the horror a uniquely localized identity. Unlike many other horror films, The Elixir does not appear to rely on sexual content or nudity, as publicity materials emphasize its zombie plague focus. Similarly, substance use and smoking are not highlighted in promotions, with the film’s intensity coming primarily from its relentless horror and cultural themes.

Is The Elixir Suitable for Teens?

Ages 10–12: No. This film contains intense horror, graphic violence, and themes of contagion and death. It is not appropriate for preteens.

Ages 13–16: With guidance / Not recommended. Older teens who tolerate horror may watch with parental guidance. Expect strong, frightening imagery and moral distress scenes. Parents should pre-screen or watch alongside teens and be ready to discuss nightmares, anxiety, or questions about disease and death.

Ages 17+: Yes (with context). Mature teens 17+ are likely to be able to process the film, especially if they understand it as stylized horror rooted in cultural tradition. Still, the film’s intensity recommends discretion.

Final age recommendation: TV-MA (generally intended for adults). For parents of teens under 17, pre-screening is strongly advised.

What Parents Can Do

• Pre-screen the film: Watch the movie or at minimum the trailer to judge your teen’s tolerance for gore and prolonged tension. The teaser is available online.
• Talk about themes beforehand: Explain the cultural elements (traditional herbal medicine, family duty) so scary scenes are framed as fiction rooted in folklore, not real-world instruction. This helps reduce confusion about dangerous imitation.
• Debrief after viewing: Discuss feelings about violence, contagion fears, and grief. Help younger teens separate cinematic horror from real life and provide reassurance if they feel anxious.

Official Trailer

FAQs

Q1: What is The Elixir rated and why?
A: Netflix lists the film as TV-MA for strong horror and violent content.

Q2: Is The Elixir appropriate for teens?
A: Not for younger teens. Older teens (17+) may be okay with parental guidance due to intense gore and frightening scenes.

Q3: Does the film have graphic violence or gore?
A: Yes. Promotional coverage and the director’s track record indicate graphic zombie violence and bloody set pieces.

Q4: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: Publicity focuses on horror and violence; there is no major indication of sexual scenes in official notes. Still, parents should pre-screen to confirm.

Q5: Where can I watch it and when does it release?
A: The Elixir premieres worldwide on Netflix on October 23, 2025.

Q6: Is the film based on local tradition?
A: The story draws on Indonesian herbal medicine traditions and local cultural context while using a zombie-horror framework.