For this particular viewer this is something of a shame given Potrykus, who also writes each of his films, clearly has a penchant for the writing and developing of a certain mental state as represented in the visual form and with more at his disposal he might be able to create a better film from the material he's crafted than what we've been delivered here. There is likely much I don't know, but it at least feels apparent by Potrykus' third feature length film that he doesn't necessarily care to transcend any major playing field with his particular brand of filmmaking. The Alchemist Cookbook actually comes from something of an established director in Joel Potrykus who has two prior features under his belt, but has remained at a certain level for what seems to be the desire to make films his own way. In the end, it feels too insubstantial to recommend and won’t really satisfy any fans of the many genres it touches on.The Alchemist Cookbook is one of those intensely indie movies that looks to derive the amount of its intrigue from character moments and their psychology in order to avoid other elements that may cost more money than an individual willing to act for cheap because it is their passion. I was honestly, excited to sit down and watch this one after seeing it’s great trailer. As a whole, Alchemist’s Cookbook sadly failed to meet my expectations. There is a sense of some sort of structure through the chapter breaks and the progression of day into darkness that some key scenes touch on. Sean and Cortez’s interactions are funny and entertaining, though they mess with the tension. There are great moments throughout, though.
![the alchemist cookbook review the alchemist cookbook review](http://www.blackhorrormovies.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Alchemist-Cookbook-17.jpg)
The entire picture seems like a tedious exercise in improv where nothing really bubbles to the surface in the end. Lots of scenes give us the sense of what this world feels like and Sean’s mannerisms, but never a good sense of motivation. I never needed anything explicit, but some reasons could have been hinted at as to why he was driven to the wilderness and devoted himself to this pursuit of gold. And with an hour and a half, I ended the film feeling like I still didn’t know much about him. There is only one real presence on screen, Sean. The biggest problem I had with Cookbook was the lack of character development. Or worse yet, the tone goes with a distant documenting of a man pouring substances into various vials without informing the audience of what is going on. However, that feels undercut as the tone shifts from chapter to chapter. There is a sense of danger and tension from the first moments of the film. I definitely have an affinity for stories about the demonic and humans who are a little too arrogant in their abilities to deal with a summoned entity.
![the alchemist cookbook review the alchemist cookbook review](http://www.cinemacats.com/wp-content/uploads/movies/alchemistcookbook01.jpg)
The rural setting, deep in the woods, always an excellent location for horror. There is so much here in the ingredients list that should have guaranteed I’d love it.
![the alchemist cookbook review the alchemist cookbook review](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O9CzBfyQROA/maxresdefault.jpg)
I can’t see any reason I’ll remember this film.
#THE ALCHEMIST COOKBOOK REVIEW MOVIE#
I personally don’t connect with much from the punk genre, and that would likely explain why this movie left me frustrated. Director Potrykus has a track record of making films in this off-kilter, low-fi style. It never settles on one thing, and some reviewers have taken to calling it a “punk” film more than anything else. There are touches of drama and of horror and a little comedy. It’s hard to classify this film as any one thing. Cortez is unaware of just what his Sean is up to and that his cousin is close to making contact with demon Belial, whom Sean believes will provide him with incalculable wealth. His only constant companion is Kaspar, his cat, but he does receive erratic visits from Cortez, a cousin, who brings supplies. At first glance, it would be easy to mistake his set up as a meth lab, but after further observation, it is revealed he is an amateur alchemist.
![the alchemist cookbook review the alchemist cookbook review](https://www.pophorror.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/sxsw2016alchemist.jpg)
Joel Potrykus)Ī man named Sean lives in a trailer home deep in the woods outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan.