Review 'ABADI NAN JAYA', Worthy of Praise Despite Its Flaws

Kapanlagi.com - The film industry in the homeland has welcomed a captivating offering at the end of 2025. ABADI NAN JAYA, a local zombie film directed by Kimo Stamboel, premiered on Netflix starting October 23, 2025.

The story centers around a remote village near Yogyakarta. Sadimin (Donny Damara), a successful herbal medicine entrepreneur, is trying to find a potion that can grant him longevity.

But this ambition drags his family into disaster. When Kenes (Mikha Tambayong) returns to discuss the future of the family business, she does not expect to face something far more dangerous. The tension escalates when she discovers that her friend, Karina (Eva Celia), intends to marry her own father.

However, before that conflict is resolved, everything turns into a nightmare. Sadimin, who has just ingested his 'immortality' potion, suddenly loses consciousness and transforms into a terrifying figure, a bloodthirsty zombie. This is where the terror begins. The once peaceful village turns into hell where humans must fight against the attacks of the undead.

KLovers, here is the review of ABADI NAN JAYA from the editorial team of KapanLagi.com. For those of you who haven't watched and don't want to get too many spoilers, you can stop reading here.

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1. Highlighting Local Culture

What makes this film feel very 'Indonesian' is the local culture that is portrayed explicitly. From the setting of rice fields, a village wedding reception, a dangdut stage, police on duty at the police station, to the dialect and regional language used, ABADI NAN JAYA truly becomes a local zombie film.

2. Impressive Acting from the Cast

Credit: instagram.com/miktambayong

All the actors and actresses involved in ABADI NAN JAYA showcase their maximum potential. There is no term of 'carrying each other' to cover each other's shortcomings. Everyone performs spectacularly. Ardit Erwandha and Claresta Taufan, who are supporting actors, also deliver solid performances alongside Donny Damara, Eva Celia, Mikha Tambayong, Marthino Lio, and Dimas Anggara, who are the main cast.

3. Satisfying Visuals

Credit: instagram.com/miktambayong

The visual details of this film have also received a lot of praise. The production team successfully presents zombies with makeup that looks very 'real'. Their movements while walking, biting victims, blood splatter, and the zombies' responses to sound and rain are all details that are given a lot of attention.

The bite wounds of the zombies on the victims also appear to be very well thought out, and the production team's work can be described as very satisfying.

4. Contemporary Elements

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This film is set in the present time. Therefore, the use of gadgets by the characters, the share location feature, the use of electric cars, and the dangdut songs played at events are all tailored to current circumstances.

It may seem minor, but the presentation of this point by the production team makes the audience feel satisfied and connected to the main premise of the film ABADI NAN JAYA.

5. Scoring and Soundtrack

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The impressive scoring in the film ABADI NAN JAYA enhances the enjoyable experience of watching this movie. The sounds of screams and zombie attacks feel appropriate and not overly loud.

The use of the song Indonesia Pusaka by Ismail Marzuki, which contains the lyrics 'abadi nan jaya' at the end of the film, seems trivial but connects the audience with the title ABADI NAN JAYA in this film.

6. A Slight Flaw

Credit: instagram.com/miktambayong

Although all the points mentioned suggest that ABADI NAN JAYA seems to be a flawless film, there are several aspects that are shortcomings or minor notes about this film.

The story presented in ABADI NAN JAYA feels shallow. There is no further exploration of the background of the Jamus Factory that produces the jamu Abadi Nan Jaya. It is not clearly explained why the jamu concoction can turn humans into zombies. Is it due to incorrect measurements, production errors, or is it intentional?

This film also does not present a plot twist and feels 'flat.' It seems that the director focused more on the chase scenes and battles with zombies rather than deepening the plot of this 'thin' story.

7. Rating from the Editorial Team

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Based on the points that have been explained, ABADI NAN JAYA is among the films recommended to watch with friends on the weekend. Despite its shortcomings, overall this film can be an alternative for zombie fans who usually watch international productions.

The combination of local elements, satisfying details, and the horror offered are the main attractions of this 116-minute film. A rating of 8.5/10 is a fitting score for ABADI NAN JAYA.

(kpl/ums)