Zombie Horror Gets Southeast Asian Twist in Netflix’s 2025 Film Slate

Netflix is making a bold move in Southeast Asian genre content with the announcement of two new zombie horror films that promise to bring a fresh perspective to the subgenre. During the APAC film showcase in Tokyo, Malobika Banerji, senior director of content for Southeast Asia at Netflix, gave a sneak peek at “The Elixir” from Indonesia and “Ziam” from Thailand, both set to be released in 2025.

“The Elixir,” directed by renowned Indonesian horror filmmaker Kimo Stamboel, tells the story of a family torn apart by a zombie outbreak caused by a traditional Javanese herbal elixir. The film features a star-studded cast including Mikha Tambayong, Eva Celia, and Donny Damara, with Stamboel bringing his unique visual style and love for gore to the project.

Stamboel is no stranger to the horror genre, having worked as part of The Mo Brothers directing duo and achieving box office success with “Dancing Village: The Curse Begins,” which drew in over four million viewers.

On the other hand, “Ziam” sees Netflix collaborating with Thai director Kulp “Tent” Kaljareuk, known for the hit series “Master of the House.” Set in a future Thailand devastated by environmental disaster, the film follows a former Muay Thai fighter as he battles zombies to save his loved one.

Netflix is pushing boundaries with “Ziam” by utilizing 3D In-Camera VFX technology for the first time in Southeast Asian content. This innovation allows the cast and crew to interact with the post-apocalyptic world in real-time, enhancing the immersive experience for viewers.

During the showcase, Banerji emphasized the importance of infusing local storytelling, culture, and authenticity into the zombie horror genre. While horror is a popular genre in Thailand and Indonesia, she noted that demand for zombie content has largely been met by Korean and English titles. With “The Elixir” and “Ziam,” Netflix aims to bring a fresh perspective to the subgenre by incorporating local flavors.

These upcoming zombie projects follow Netflix’s success with Southeast Asian content, including Indonesia’s action film “The Shadow Strays,” Thailand’s chart-topping “Hunger,” and the Philippines’ post-apocalyptic drama “Outside.” Banerji expressed excitement for audiences to experience these authentic and immersive stories, showcasing the diverse talent and creativity of Southeast Asian filmmakers.

As Netflix continues to invest in Southeast Asian content, the future looks bright for genre enthusiasts looking for fresh and exciting storytelling. Stay tuned for the release of “The Elixir” and “Ziam” in 2025, promising to redefine the zombie horror subgenre with a distinctly Southeast Asian twist.