Debapriya Bhattacharya
Originally titled ‘Abadi Nan Jaya,’ the Kimo Stamboel directorial ‘The Elixir’ is set in a remote village in Indonesia where a family-run herbal remedies company comes up with the formula for elixir. While the drug is yet to be certified by the authorities, the CEO of the company decides to test it on himself. At first, it works miracles, noticeably de-aging him and restoring his youthful vigour. However, the transformation does not stop there, and it turns him into a zombie. Soon, the outbreak spreads all over the village, and family and friends fight for survival. The quaint rural settlement turns into a hellscape in the Netflix film, starring Mikha Tambayong, Eva Celia Latjuba, and Donny Damara in leading roles.
The Elixir Filming Locations
‘The Elixir’ was filmed in Indonesia, primarily on the Island of Java. The shooting locations were concentrated in Central Java, particularly in the cities of Yogyakarta and Magelang, while some scenes were captured in Jakarta. Principal photography took place between June 10, 2024, and August 23, 2024. The stunning landscape of Indonesia formed the perfect backdrop for the hyper-local story with an international appeal. The country is made up of more than 17,000 islands, each endowed with natural beauty, from beaches to volcanoes and coral reefs. Java is one of the five main islands that make up the country, and is home to Jakarta, the national capital city. The region also boasts ancient and traditional architecture seen alongside modern skyscrapers. The wonderful blend, alongside the easy availability of talented local crew members and state-of-the-art infrastructure, makes Indonesia a lucrative destination for filming.
Magelang, Indonesia
The majority of the scenes in ‘The Elixir’ were lensed in the city of Magelang in Central Java, Indonesia. MesaStila Resort and Spa, situated at Desa Losari-Grabag, Mageland, Central Java, doubled up as the village that becomes the focal point of the zombie outbreak in the film. The scenic, lush green hilltop property with Japanese architecture brought the quaint rural settlement to life, with the production utilizing both indoor and outdoor arenas. One of the most popular cities in the country, Mageland has been the chosen shooting destination for films such as ‘Black Blood,’ ‘The Last 7 Days,’ ‘Kromoleo,’ ‘The Redemption of Sin,’ and ‘Spirited.’ It has also served as the backdrop for television shows such as ‘Zona Merah.’
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
https://www.instagram.com/p/DQQqhGeDx0e/?img_index=10
Situated a little over 27 miles south of Magelang, Yogyakarta is a hub of art and culture in Central Java. With coastal plains, river valleys, and mountains with an active volcano, the diverse geography of the region makes it particularly alluring for filmmakers setting up production units. The city also has a strong film community, providing access to skilled cast and crew members and the necessary infrastructure for shooting. The traditional art and crafts, as well as the dress known as batik, appear in scenes of ‘The Elixir.’ Apart from the Kimo Stamboel directorial, Yogyakarta was the filming destination for shows such as ‘Sugar Mill,’ ‘Beyond Skyline,’ ‘Sijjin,’ ‘Sewu Dino,’ ‘The Concubine,’ ‘Waktu Maghrib,’ ‘Sukma,’ and more. Television shows like ‘Tunnel,’ ‘Zona Merah,’ ‘Kisah Tanah Jawa: Merapi,’ ‘Ustad Milenial,’ ‘Kartu Keluarga,’ among others, have also been captured in the city.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Additional scenes of ‘The Elixir’ were filmed in Indonesia’s national capital, Jakarta. The largest city in the archipelago, it is the industrial and cultural hub of the country. A melting pot of rich history and modern spectacles, it has both the talented human resources needed for production, as well as the infrastructure needed to facilitate it. The wonderful climate and scenic beauty of the place add to the allure of filmmakers across the globe. In addition to the Elixir, movies that have been shot on the island include ‘Shutter,’ ‘The Haunted Apartment: Miss K,’ ‘A Normal Woman,’ ‘The Corpse Washer,’ ‘Haunting of Mount Gede,’ ‘The Forbidden Door,’ and more. The city has also formed the backdrop in television shows like ‘Stranger Things,’ ‘Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams,’ ‘Blood Curse,’ and ‘School of the Dead.’
Read More: The Elixir Ending Explained
