The Elixir (a film by Kimo Stamboel)

The Elixir

Kimo Stamboel directs the first Indonesian zombie-themed film, The Elixir (Abadi Nan Jaya). The Elixir (Abadi Nan Jaya) film first launched on Netflix Indonesia on October 23, 2025, which also offers English and Japanese dubbed audio. The Elixir (Abadi Nan Jaya) is set in Wanirejo Village, a fictive location in Yogyakarta, where the center of the film focuses on the family who owns Pabrik Jamu Wani Waras (Wani Waras Herbal Medicine Factory). The film itself was actually shot in Piyungan village, Bantul, Yogyakarta.

Top Movies on Netflix on November 1, 2025, provided by FlixPatrol.

The Elixir (Abadi Nan Jaya) uses more than 200 extra cameos who play zombie crowds. The combination of the zombie makeup artist's work and special effects has made the film the most watched on Netflix in its first week. After all, it is the first Indonesian zombie-themed genre, unlike previous Indonesian ghost-themed films.

The Javanese language is used in the film, with most dialog using Bahasa Indonesia. I think it is quite funny hearing Rudi scream dog as a profanity to curse at the zombie who is chasing him when it is dubbed in English audio. Jamu Abadi Nan Jaya from the sample ANJ 23B is said to use natural ingredients from the Kantong Semar (Nepenthes Linn.).

Kantong Semar (Nepenthes Linn.)

Kantong Semar (Nepenthes Linn.) is a carnivorous plant that catches and digests insects. This plant is characterized by a tube-shaped pouch or trap located at the tip of its leaves. A reason for the zombies becoming numb when it rains and catching the falling raindrops.

The ending of the film implies that there will be a second sequel to the film, which would certainly be more rational if the location setting was expanded to at least cover the entirety of Indonesia being affected by the zombie outbreak before heading overseas.

The Elixir (Abadi Nan Jaya) Official Trailer
YouTube video is courtesy of Netflix Indonesia

Plot

The scene opens 5 hours later at a wedding reception at the village head's house. Rahman (Ardit Erwandha), who was still in full police uniform, chased after Ningsih (Rr. Claresta Taufan Kusumarina), who half ran and rushed to the kitchen, leaving him behind upon seeing him. Ningsih questioned Rahman's determination about when he would propose to her while washing the dishes. Behind Ningsih, Rahman took out his ring to propose to her in the kitchen. However, Rahman canceled his proposal when his commander called and asked him to return to the police station.

Shortly after Rahman left the wedding reception at the village head's house, a car passed by on the road where the wedding tent had been set up and knocked over the guest chairs. The car stopped after hitting a pickup truck carrying a sound system for the wedding reception. Many guests fell due to the speed of the car. The village head (Stephanus Tjiproet) then ran to the stopped car and knocked on the window. When the car door was opened, inside, Aris (Kiki Narenda), the Sadimin (Donny Damara) family driver, who had begun to transform into a monster, quickly pounced on the village head, knocked him down, and bit him on the edge of the rice field.

5 Hours Earlier

Wani Waras = Dare to be healthy

At Pabrik Jamu Wani Waras, the herbal medicine scientist is asking his crew to deliver the two samples of the new product of herbal medicine that they call Abadi Nan Jaya (Eternity Glorious), which have not been tested by the Indonesian BPOM (National Agency of Drug and Food Control). One for the owner, Sadimin, and the other for his business partner in Jakarta, Grace (Karina Suwandhi).

Receiving the sample from the factory, Sadimin drinks it without hesitation. Returning from the bathroom after taking a shower, he is surprised that he no longer needs glasses and his gray hair has also turned black again. His wrinkled, aged skin is no longer visible. His wife, Karina (Eva Celia Latjuba), noticed the change in her husband's looks and then asked Sadimin. Thanks to this new formula of Jamu Abadi Nan Jaya. It makes me young again, said Sadimin.

Best Friend as Mother-in-Law

Kenes, Karina & Bambang (From left to right)

That morning, Kenes (Mikha Tambayong), with her husband Rudi (Dimas Anggara) and their only child Raihan (Varen Arianda Calief), is visiting Sadimin's residence from Jakarta by car. Kenes is Sadimin's youngest daughter, who is also his wife, Karina's best friend from high school. While Bambang (Marthino Lio), Sadimin's elder son, is a toy collector and an online gamer that never left his father's house. Kenes's and Karina's relationship was broken after Karina married Sadimin shortly after Kenes's mother passed away.

Kenes and Rudi's visit to Sadimin's house was to finalize the sale of the factory, which Sadimin had previously mentioned. Sadimin's plans to retire from managing the factory and the lack of sales were the primary reasons for the sale. Meanwhile, Bambang, Kenes, and Rudi had other plans for the money that they would receive from the factory sale's deal. Bambang wants to buy a new car. Kenes and Rudi are getting a divorce, and Kenes will use the money to start a new business. But all of their plans go away after Sadimin states that he refuses to sell the factory. Both Sadimin's children questioned him angrily. "It's all because of this new formula of Jamu Abadi Nan Jaya that will make the factory great again, said Sadimin.

The First Bite Zombie

Sadimin turns into a zombie.

Sadimin is stressed after having an intense debate with both of his children and his son-in-law. He feels an itch on his skin and suddenly gets a seizure. All of them are in a panic after noticing that Sadimin is no longer breathing.

Raihan screams for his mother when he first sees his grandfather turn into a monster. Pardi (Hingka Moedra), the family servant, is surprised to see his master suddenly change, who then jumps on him and bites him. Aris's effort to rescue Pardi is in vain when Sadimin suddenly jumps on him. Lying on the floor, Sadimin, on top of Aris's body, tries to bite him but vomits blood instead all over Aris's face.

Bambang comes to rescue Aris but ends up in the same position as Aris. Having his new toy in his hand, Bambang shoots his father's head with a plastic arrow. Rudi then asks Aris to drive to the nearest precinct to report the incident in their house. Meanwhile, the other family servant treats the injured Pardi in the kitchen.

Assault on Precinct Wanirejo

Assault on Precinct Wanirejo.

After the wedding incident, which made more infected zombie crowds, which was transmitted by Aris. The crowds occupy the Precinct Wanirejo until late at night, after the help from the Sleman Police Resort has also been attacked by the crowds on the way to the precinct.

On that same night, Rahman finally manages to propose to Ningsih by putting the ring on Ningsih's finger while surrounded by zombie crowds who bite both of them. Bambang sacrifices himself to save Kenes, Karina, and Raihan by blowing up the whole precinct.

Kenes takes a bullet through her head.

On the way escaping the remaining zombie crowds, Kenes notices that her hand has also been bitten. She then asked Karina to take care of her only son. Kenes takes a bullet through her head when her face is starting to show the zombie transformation.

Karina and Raihan in the distance followed by Pardi, the 1st bite zombie, leaving Wanirejo village.

In the morning, Karina and Raihan manage to leave the village using Rahman's motorbike, followed by Pardi walking behind them. Meanwhile, in Jakarta, Grace, Sadimin's business partner, tries to call Sadimin shortly after drinking the sample ANJ 23B from the factory. The film ended with a blurry image showing Grace's youth transformation after leaving the bathroom.

The Elixir (Abadi Nan Jaya)

Update: November 2, 2025.

Gowok: Javanese Kamasutra (a film by Hanung Bramantyo)

Gowok: Javanese Kamasutra

A film by Hanung Bramantyo that tells about Gowok, a profession for women aged 20 to 40 years who are hired by a family to teach their adult son, who is soon going to be married, how to treat his wife well, maintain household harmony, and prepare the man to become a quality husband in sexual aspects. As a gowok, they are usually unmarried and adopt a young girl as their student who will one day succeed them and inherit their knowledge. Gowok, called "Nyai", or "Madam", are highly respected by the local residents, similar to a traditional witch doctor or shaman who usually assists in childbirth in the community.

The Gowok: Javanese Kamasutra film participated in the Big Screen Competition for the 2025 Rotterdam International Film Festival. The film is based on a 2014 Kamasutra novel, "Nyai Gowok", by Budi Sardjono. Gowok: Javanese Kamasutra is set in an unknown village in Bumirejo, Central Java, with a 4-year period between the years of 1933, 1950, 1965, and 1985. The film was actually shot in Gamplong village, Sleman, Yogyakarta, which is more than 100 km away from Bumirejo.

The term "Gowok" is said to have originated from the name of a Chinese woman, Goo Wok Niang, who came to Java along with Admiral Cheng Ho's expedition fleets in the 15th century. The Gowok: Javanese Kamasutra film mostly used the Javanese language with the Tegal dialect, or Ngapak language, which I am also not familiar with.

Gowok as illustrated in the 2014 novel "Nyai Gowok" by Budi Sardjono.

Gowok - Official Trailer (Uncut Version 21+)
YouTube video is courtesy of MVP Pictures ID

Plot

A woman was running while carrying a baby and fell when a knife stabbed her in the back. She told Nyai Santi (Lola Amaria), a well-known Gowok in the village, to look after her baby named Ratri. Seventeen years later, young Ratri (Alika Jantinia) transforms into a gorgeous girl. As Nyai Santi's apprentices, along with Liyan (Aldy Bisl), a gay man who loves to dress as a woman, they both serve their master with their whole lives.

Young Ratri (Alika Jantinia).

When a noble family arrives at Nyai Santi's mansion asking for their son, young Jaya (Devano Danendra), to be "gowok" by Nyai Santi, both Ratri and Jaya fall in love at first sight. Jaya gives a promise to Ratri that he will marry her after graduating from his school in Semarang. Both of them then exchange letters after Jaya finishes the "gowok ritual".

However, Nyai Santi has another plan to separate both of them and is convinced that Jaya will never keep his promise to Ratri. Ratri's heart is broken after learning that Jaya is soon to be married to the daughter of the Sultan of Surakarta (Slamet Rahardjo Djarot) and will earn the title of Regent of Bumiarjo. Twenty-five years later, the adult Ratri (Raihaanun) finally succeeded Nyai Santi, inherited all her knowledge, and became a famous gowok in the district.

A surprise visit came from the Sultan of Surakarta to Nyai Santi's mansion, asking her to "gowok" his grandchildren, Bagas (Ali Fikry). But since Nyai Santi is already retired and succeeded by Ratri, who is now called Nyai Ratri, she will be the one to "gowok" Bagas. Without both Nyai Santi and Nyai Ratri knowing, adult Jaya (Reza Rahadian) enters the room and claims to be Bagas's father.

Bagas is unaware of his father's past relationship with Ratri, who successfully made him fall in love, just like his old man. Ratri used this opportunity as a weapon to take revenge for what Jaya did to her in the past.

The Gowok: Javanese Kamasutra film also features the Indonesian history of the 1965, 30 September Movement of PKI, Partai Komunis Indonesia (Indonesian Communist Party). The greatest mass slaughter involved millions of civilians suspected of affiliation with the PKI.

The Indonesian military displayed suspected PKI members and sympathizers, one of whom was Putmainah, a Gerwani figure in Blitar, East Java.
Image is courtesy of BBC Indonesia

My mother once told me about the events of 1965, when she was 9 years old. She and her entire family were forced to leave my grandparents' house in Grabag, Magelang. The village chief warned my late grandfather that his house would be burned down with them inside that night. My late grandfather was a civil service police officer. He was also a target for his suspected affiliation with the PKI.

The film ended with the scene in the year of 1985, 20 years later. A young man with his sister is negotiating with a village's chief to buy Nyai Santi's abandoned mansion, which was left damaged after the 1965 event. The chief also said that the owner of the mansion, Nyai Santi, had died by suicide in the mansion during the event. The young man then asks his sister to call their mom in the car. A woman steps out of the car and is shown as adult Ratri, who wants to buy the mansion to build a school for women.

Rurouni Kenshin, a Film by Keishi Ohtomo

It was just a coincidence when I found this Rurouni Kenshin first live action movie in DVD version. Samurai X was my favorite anime series since I was at high school. After I saw the movie and searched on wikipedia, the film that was released on August 25, 2012, in Japan, and became no. 1 blockbuster movie in the home country.

Kenshin Himura was my favorite manga character, and I used it as my avatar in several forums I have joined. Below image was the one that I used.

The Journey Begins

The journey begins with scene from Bakumatsu war. In the war, Kenshin Himura (Takeru Sato) has killed many his rivals using his famous Hiten Mitsurugi. Kenshin also meets with his rival, Hajime Saito (Yosuke Eguchi) who is eager to fight the famous Batosai.

By the time Saito meets with Kenshin, the war is over, and Kenshin throws his sword. A samurai, Udo Jine (Koji Kikkawa) wakes up his body which is buried with death samurai. Jine who is possessed by evil spirit, found the Batosai's sword which is left by Kenshin.

Several years after the war, Kenshin arrives in Tokyo as rurouni, the wandering ronin (masterless samurai). At the park, he reads an announcement from the local police, about Batosai who is wanted for murder in several places in Tokyo.

A sword which is pointed on him, has surprised Kenshin, while he is still reading the announcement. Kaoru Kamiya (Emi Takei) suddenly attacks Kenshin, and claims him to be the wanted Batosai.

Why do you carry a sword?, asked Kaoru. It is sakabatō, answered Kenshin. The sakabatō (reverse blade sword) is a sword which should not be used to kill.

Meanwhile, Saito who now joins as law enforcement, is busied with several murders which had done by the fake Batosai, Udo Jine. Saito noticed the death note left by the murderer was different from what real Batosai was often used.

By the time Udo Jine meets with Kenshin, he notices the X scar in Kenshin's left cheek. The X scar which makes Kenshin famous as Batosai.

In order to save Megumi Takani (Yu Aoi), who is captured by Kanryu Takeda (Teruyuki Kagawa) in his mansion, Kenshin and Sanosuke Sagara (Munetaka Aoki) attack Takeda's mansion, which is guarded with hundreds of Takeda's men.

After defeating many Takeda's men, inside the mansion is waiting Banjin Inui (Genki Sudo). Sanosuke asked Kenshin to keep searching inside the mansion, while he will be facing Banjin Inui alone.

In the other side of the mansion, Gein (Gou Ayano), another Takeda's man is waiting for Kenshin. What does happen next? You must see the whole movie by yourself!

My Point of View

I should say perfect with the appearance of the star from Kamen Rider Den-O, Takeru Sato as Kenshin Himura. His thin small body is perfect for the manga character.

In this film, the director Keishi Ohtomo is great at the scene take. The Kenshin famous Hiten Mitsurugi fighting technique is well capture here in this film. Although the manga is sometimes loved by most teenagers, but this live action manga is filled with many bloody actions.

The scene that makes me surprised is when Kenshin memorizes on how he had his first scar on his cheek. I never knew that before on the anime series. Although the second scar does not mention in the film, but the whole story is well explained.

So, the X scar is really not done by one sword on one fight, just like I thought before. Another thing is, the famous red kimono that always used by Kenshin, belongs to the late of Kaoru's father.

The bare hand fight between Sanosuke with Banjin Inui is the humour side of the movie. While the best fight in the movie is the fight between Kenshin and Gein.

I give five stars on this movie, the 19th century Japan setting is awesome. The martial art technique is really determined the way of the real samurai. Just like my favorite samurai movie that is also filmed in Japan, The Last Samurai, stars by Tom Cruise.

If you are fans of Kenshin Himura in the Samurai X anime series, I suggest you to see this film. It is really live action manga.

Simfoni Luar Biasa (A Special Symphony): A Film by Awi Suryadi

Simfoni Luar Biasa, in which titled when played in Philippines as A Special Symphony, was a film that used 3 languages, Bahasa Indonesia, English and Tagalog (Philippines). A story about singer who gets life lessons from the children with special need. The singer was played brilliantly by famous Philippines singer, Christian Bautista.

The film was released in Indonesia, at September 29, 2011, while in Philippines was already released first at August 3, 2011. The story begins when Jayden (Christian Bautista), a musician, who is still struggled in the music industry, is trying to reach his goal to become a star. One night in Manila City, Philippines, had changed Jayden's life, becoming a broken man, with no money at all.

The funny thing is, he manages to fly to Jakarta, Indonesia to visit his mother, Marlina (Ira Wibowo), who had been separated. The meeting with Mrs. Rinjani (Ira Maya Sopha), the principal of school for children with special need, had made him becoming a new music teacher.

The video about the student's choir which uploaded on youtube, had made the school gets an invitation to go to Students Choir Competition. My favorite scene is when Jayden gets mad to his student's brother when he picked up him. Idiot! Get yourself into the car!, said his student's brother. Don't you ever said that again! Ever!, said Jayden angrily.

But the boy's parent is not happy with Jayden. They both then meet the principal, and ask Mrs. Rinjani to fired Jayden, or they will move their child to another school. That's not our way to yell to our child like the way you did, said the mother. Children! You have 2 children, and not just one. Your son has very amazing voice. You should see his performance! It's too bad to not let him sing at the competition. It'll break his heart, said Jayden.

So what then? Will Jayden leave the school or not? You should see this film! This film had made my eyes is like a broken glass, but not dropped into tears.

Image from Wikimedia.

Source: RCTI, Friday, July 6, 2012, 5 pm (UTC+7).

Soegija (a Film by Garin Nugroho)

A film by Garin Nugroho about the life of Mgr. Albertus Soegijapranata, S.J., the 1st Indonesian native bishop and also a national hero, which will be released in all movie theatres in Indonesia, in June 7, 2012. Whether Garin Nugroho, or Nirwan Dewanto, the actor who played as Soegija are not a Catholic.

Nirwan Dewanto is also not a real movie actor, he was known as an Indonesian Humanist. The tecnical problem, was because I'm not an actor, said Nirwan. Nirwan was choosen by Father F.X. Murti Hadi Wijayanto S.J., the film producer, due to Nirwan has similiar face like Mgr. Soegija

Nirwan Dewanto was willing to work hard to act by studying lots of Catholic literatures, including learned the Latin, Greek, and Dutch languages. Besides English, Mgr. Soegija was capable of mastering those 3 languages.

The Soegija film controversy was formerly discussed in the internet and through Blackberry Messenger (BBM). Many Indonesian sceptic people who haven't see the film, considered that this film will affect to one's faith after he watched it, a Christianitation. Such a short minded thinking, living in the country with so many differences, races, faiths, cultures and languages, with Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Differences but one) as its motto. Don't call yourself as an Indonesian if you have that kind of thought!

Butet Kertaradjasa, one of the film actors also deplored the existence of such opinions. There will be no one's faith is changed simply because of watching a work of art. I feel pity for people who think so shallow. It similar to people who buy food, then ask what is the chef's faith? Had the chaf been circumcised or not? That's very funny. I think the rumor was a free promotional ads, said Butet in the interview at the Gran Melia Hotel, Jakarta, May 16, 2012. This film purpose is to foster the values of nationalism, humanity and how to behave in an unstable situation, he added.

This 12 billion IDR budget film is inspired by Mgr. Soegija's diary during his nomination as apostolic vicar of Semarang in 1940 and the end of the war with the Dutch in 1949. Mgr. Soegija's fight was not phisically, but by his articles that had sent to foreign media, or so called as silent diplomacy.

The film begins in the courtyard of the Church of Gedangan, in Semarang. Soegijapranata has just been ordained Apostolic Vicar, upon ratification by Mgr. Montini who would later become Pope Paul VI. Indonesia was still occupied by the Dutch, but in 1941, the Dutch surrendered to Japan, which begun to conquer South East Asia.

The Indonesians welcomed the Japanese as their saviour. Mgr. Soegija knows everything what had already happened in the Church in Japan. He had predicted that soon the saviour would do the same as the Dutch. Torture Indonesian people with force labour called romusa, causing millions of deaths by starvation, and teaching native Indonesian to raise weapons to build their defense against the U.S. Allied Forces. Though the last one has benefit for Indonesia to build Tentara Nasional Indonesia (Indonesian National Army).

Mgr. Soegija's memorable words was when he broadcasted on the radio in 1947.

We are Indonesian Catholics side with the republic will achieve a real and complete independence

Mgr. Soegija's wish came true on December 27, 1947, when the Dutch was willing to recognized Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia, the United States of the Republic of Indonesia.

The People's Tongue Connector

Mgr. Albertus Soegijapranata, S.J. was born by the child name Soegija in Solo (Oldest=Soerakarta), Central Java, November 25, 1896. In July 26, 1963, based on Presidential Decree no. 152 of 1963, the 1st President of the United States of the Republic of Indonesia (PotUSoRI), Soekarno, awarded him as Indonesian National Hero, shortly after he passed away in Netherlands. He was buried in the Giri Tunggal Heroes Cemetery, in Semarang, Central Java. To honour the Rama Kanjeng, a street in Solo and a Catholic University in Semarang were named after his.

Image from Wikimedia

I'm Not Jesus Mommy (a Film by Vaughn Juares)

An interesting 2010 movie that you should see! Here is some of my review for you:

Kimberly would stop at nothing to have a child of her own. The world first successful human cloning project brings an unthinkable solution for her. Her husband, Bruce Gabriel was angry with her decision of using the infant from the project. Bruce leaves the house with anger, driving his car, then died in a car accident when he tried to reach Kimberly's phone call (one thing you shouldn't have done when driving a vehicle).

9 months later, a son named David Gabriel was the result. 7 years after David's birth, wars, famine, and natural disasters of every kinds have plagued the Earth. Kimberly struggels to survive her biggest challenge on raising David. Strange occurrences surrounding the young boy David, as he managed to bring back the dead mouse to be alive again.

Roger, the head researcher of the cloning project reveals that David was cloned from DNA taken from the Shroud of Turin, from blood of Christ. Is David is the Second Coming of Christ, or something else? Who is David's imaginary friend? You should see the movie for yourself!

If you're a Christian, or Catholic like me, my suggestion for you is to not take the movie seriously! Just enjoy watching the movie! It's really nice story with no special effect at all, kind like a drama.

Happy Good Friday !!