Synopsis
Primbon is an Indonesian horror film released in 2023 which combines folklore with supernatural horror and the psychological trauma of family secrets. Directed by Rudy Soedjarwo, who is familiar with social issues and culture, the film is striking in its representation of Javanese mystical elements as it has a haunting undertone.
The narrative revolves around a Rana, a young woman who comes back to her family’s house located in a village in Central Java after her father passes away under mysterious circumstances. Rana had spent most of her life in the city and found the superstitions of her family backward. Moreover, her return was not only to mourn but buried deep within was the need to unravel the reasons behind her father’s death.
Her father was a dukun, a traditional shaman, and had been the sole keeper of the family’s du-duk- an (or dukunan). The family’s dukun is an heirloom cherished and believed to contain the spiritual fate of the family and its members, as an astrology book placed in a shrine along with other auspicious objects serves as an astrological guide and predicts life events using Javanese culture, ancestral wisdom, and other supernatural forces. Now that she has lost her father, the burden of protecting the family’s heirloom shifts to Rana.
The visions of shadowy figures alongside unexplained chilling whispers at night challenge Rana’s rational worldview as family members fall ill. It follows that the family is cursed as foretold by a primbon and, cryptic passages begin to align with reality. Instead of laughing it off, skepticism begins to transform into terrifying reality.
Tension increases when Rana’s estranged uncle who had misused the primbon for sinister reasons returns to lay claim to it. With only selfish intentions, his desperate obsession for power brings malicious forces that threaten to destroy the family.
In an attempt to relieve the curse, Rana [..:_her grandmother__adopt this?_] venture into the depths of Javanese spiritual practices where she has to go through terrifying rituals, speak to restive spirits, and confront her roots. The movie enhances the peak of the battle between modern day disbelief and customs. It’s at this moment when Rana is faced with the question of whether to accept her family’s legacy or deny the family myths.
As always, horror titles live up to expectations by being chillingly scary. As Primbon unfolds itself, the audience is engaged by an uncanny atmosphere thick with dread while sending chills down their spines. In the end, this astonishing experience delivers a message about the significant nature of respecting cultural roots and legacies.
Primbon
Primbon’s story is further enhanced by its astonishing cast and crew, which, adds wonders to the effectiveness of the story.
Rania putri sari as rana
Rania puts on a splendid display portraying the film’s protagonist rana. As an utterly modern woman, the internal battle of reasoning faces a rationalised woman torn between a dukun’s occult world and superstition faced by her family. Descending to the emotional depths of Rana’s transformation, a fight is put on from denial to surrender.
Slamet Rahardjo as Rana’s Father
While his time on screen is short due to the character’s untimely demise, slamet’s turn as the dukun, wise and mysterious, donald warrior is a force within the film. His enormous impact is felt throughout the film and the story is heavily laden with the influence of his character.
Christine Hakim as Rana’s Grandmother
Christine Hakim as the famijy matriarch is a spectacular addition to the cast for she is a legend in indonesian cinema. Her portrayal brings depth to the film’s spirit world which is her teaching rana intricate rituals alongside the other and most important the other.
Teuku Rifnu Wikana as The Estranged Uncle
As the villain, Teuku Rifnu Wikana infuses his character with menace and desperation. The way he plays a man with dark, nefarious ambitions offers Rana an equally formidable opposition to her attempt at redemption.
Director:
Rudy Soedjarwo
Primbon’s multi-faceted look tells us its wonder, and Soedjarwo himself deepens Indonesian culture and folklore terrifically. We can hear the whisper of supernatural elements and authenticity, terror throughout the film, clearly due to visionary direction of Soedjarwo.
Writer:
Hestu Saputra
Hestu Saputra offers an intelligent and culture-drenched narrative in his script. His writing captures the rivalry between modernity and traditionalism, making watching this film both story-seeking thought provoking terrifying and rich at the same time.”
Cinematography:
Ical Tanjung
Primbon features astounding beauty in visual storytelling. To Ical Tanjung goes the credit for offering the film its eerie appeal. Use of natural light and shadow portrays the charming yet lavish Javanese countryside, and dark interiors sartorially steepens the film’s suspense level.
Music Composer:
Tya Subiakto
Tya Subiakto’s score steals the show in the film. The unease and reverence created around the traditional gamelan-inspired soundtrack aids the spiritual aspects of the story flawlessly.
IMDb Ratings
Primbon’s 6.9 out of 10 rating on IMDb shows it has received positive feedback from both viewers and critics. The film’s atmosphere and depiction of Indonesian mysticism have also received acclaim from many. Viewers value that Primbon does not depend on cheap jump scares but rather forgoes on-screen violence in favor of gaining dread through atmosphere, setting, and depth.
Critics have added the film’s use of Indonesia’s rarely showcased folklore as an intriguing factor, helping Primbon stand out amongst the abundance of horror films. The usage of the word Primbon — a real cultural artifact in Javanese culture — as the title alone in the storyline has credibility and authenticity that needs to be appreciated alongside the horror elements.
The climactic scenes which are filled with emotion and ceremony have been dubbed as the most cathartic and powerful moments along with the accentuated build carried throughout the story. Although there are some parts that could be critiqued due to slower pacing, this deliberate pacing has been celebrated for its ability to create suspense.
Primbon is regarded globally for showcasing the wealth of Indonesia’s folklore blended with their culture accompanied with the fight between humans and modernity making this more than just a horror film, cementing it as a cultural masterpiece.
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