Experience the highs of modern cinematography and the lows of a lacklustre storyline
As the eerie glow of the television screen illuminated in the dimly lit room, anticipation hung heavy in the air. I settled myself in recently to watch a random Indonesian horror movie, Primbon, just to feel my adrenaline pump, hoping for a good scare.
With high hopes for spine-tingling suspense and heart-pounding thrills, I eagerly immersed myself in the unfolding tale of terror.
However, as the credits rolled and the final scene faded to black, I couldn’t shake the feeling of disappointment that lingered.
PRIMBON (2023)
The movie is supposedly a compelling 2023 film that unravels the intricacies of a superstitious family bound by ancient beliefs of a Primbon book.
Penned by Lele Laila and helmed by Rudy Soedjarwo, the film boasts a stellar cast featuring Happy Salma as Dini, Nugie as Banyu, Flavio Zaviera as Rana, Chicco Kurniawan as Janu, and Azela Putri as Tari, supported by Jajang C Noer as Bude Nur, Oppie Andaresta as Bude Sri, and Septian Dwi Cahyo as Pakde Basuki.
At the core of the storyline lies the mysterious disappearance of young Rana, unfolding amidst the eerie atmosphere of her mother’s supposedly cursed birthday celebration. The plot takes a surprising turn when, following an extensive search in the woods where she vanished, Rana mysteriously re-emerges on the very night the family gathers for a tahlil ceremony in her honour.
Yet, uncertainty shrouds her reappearance, leading to haunting questions about her true state of being.
Is Rana truly alive, or has something more sinister taken hold of her? As the family grapples with the chilling possibility of a malevolent presence, viewers are drawn deeper into the enigma of Rana’s vanishing act and the eerie circumstances surrounding her return.
WHAT’S A PRIMBON?
One aspect of the film that truly resonated with me was its deep integration of Javanese culture as its central theme. It offered a rare glimpse into facets of this rich cultural heritage that often remain obscured beyond the borders of Java, particularly for someone like myself.
For those curious minds pondering the question, “What exactly is a Primbon?”
A quick search on the Internet basically explained that it’s a revered ancestral book of the Javanese, serves as a guiding light illuminating the intricate relationship between human life and the cosmos.
Described as a collection of forecasts and Javanese wisdom, the book holds a mix of magical formulas, lucky calculations, and practical advice for navigating life’s adventures. Originating from the Javanese term rimbu, Primbon represents a treasure trove of ancient Javanese insights handed down through the ages.
While mainly embraced by Javanese, Balinese, and Lombok communities, Primbon’s influence ripples across the diverse cultures of the Indonesian archipelago. Its pages are filled with calculations, fortune-telling, personality insights, and more, blending Javanese calendar wisdom for tasks like farming schedules and ceremonial planning, ensuring their safety and spiritual well-being throughout the ages.
Today, the Indonesian government carefully preserves several Primbon books at the National Library, including revered titles like Kitab Ta’bir, Primbon Padhukunan Pal-Palan, Mantra Siwastra Raja, and Lontarak Bola, ensuring that the timeless wisdom of Java endures for generations to come.
PLOT PITFALLS
Back to the story of Rana, while the film’s breath-taking scenery and modern shooting style create a visual feast that captivated me from start to finish, it really does fall short due to a weak and unengaging storyline.
It felt like I was either time warping forward at the speed of light, or it felt like I was knocked unconscious and lost my memory of what had happened in between scenes. The transitions within the storyline weren’t smooth, and I felt flustered halfway through wondering how one thing led to another in the story.
I could say this though, the filmmakers’ attention to detail in terms of the shoot is evident in their use of contemporary techniques and colour grading that resulted in visuals that aren’t just aesthetically pleasing, but also easy on the eyes. But, I’m not a filmmaking aficionado, so I’ll leave that critique to the pros.
Despite the promises of a chilling experience, the movie fell short of expectations, leaving me yearning for the adrenaline rush that only a truly captivating horror story can provide.
In a world where the allure of the unknown draws us in, this cinematic let-down served as a reminder of the importance of finding genuine excitement in the everyday moments of life. If I had to rate this movie out of five stars, I’d give it a one, only because of the cinematography. – Izah Azahari
