Asian films and series have become increasingly popular worldwide, earning critical acclaim and even winning awards like the Oscars. Streaming services, especially Netflix, have been key to this success, bringing shows like Squid Game and Alice in Borderland, as well as many successful movies, to a wider audience. Recently, a new zombie thriller has become a global hit, but whether it’s truly deserving of that success is a matter of opinion.
A new Indonesian horror film has quickly become the most popular movie, surpassing well-known titles like Keira Knightley’s The Woman in Cabin 10 and the long-running KPop Demon Hunters. This zombie movie offers a straightforward story:
A mysterious potion brings the dead back to life, terrorizing a small village. A fractured family must overcome their differences and work together to survive as their home falls apart.
The movie’s basic idea is good, but people are strongly divided on whether it’s any good. Some call it terrible, while others say it’s the best zombie film of the year. The disagreement seems to stem from the movie prioritizing style over a strong story. Critics and audiences generally agree the special effects, zombie design, and technical elements are excellent, but the plot and characters are weak and underdeveloped.
The movie looks okay, but is otherwise irritating. It attempts to make you invested in the characters and their connections, but the story feels hurried and badly timed, making it hard to care about anyone.
However, Peter Martin from ScreenAnarchy loved the film, dismissing any weaknesses. He wrote that director Kimo Stamboel is a standout horror filmmaker, and praised the movie’s exciting camerawork, fast pace, and unique drone shots, calling it consistently captivating and even mesmerizing.
Asian Zombie Horror Is Often in a Different League
Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection
American and Asian horror films often differ greatly in their approach. Many big-budget American horror movies prioritize spectacle and jump scares, while films from countries like Indonesia, South Korea, and Japan tend to focus on creating a more unsettling and atmospheric experience. A good example is comparing the original Japanese film Ringu to its American remake, The Ring. Ringu relies on a muted color scheme and genuinely creepy effects to build tension, whereas The Ring uses CGI more prominently, especially when revealing the ghost Sadako.
Zombie horror fans have been enjoying intense, scary movies like Train to Busan, Peninsula, Alive, and All of Us Are Dead. These films often feel more surprising and fast-paced than many American zombie movies, which tend to rely on slow-motion, obvious plot twists, and familiar stories. While The Elixir* might not be a standout, it’s currently very popular on Netflix and seems likely to stay that way for a while.
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2025-10-25 14:02