Watch The Alchemist Cookbook

The Alchemist Cookbook is a gripping 2016 independent horror film directed and written by Joel Potrykus. The movie stars Ty Hickson as Sean, a young hermit who is desperately seeking the truth of alchemy, and Amari Cheatom as Cortez, his best friend. Fiji plays a minor role in the movie. Sean lives in a trailer deep in the woods, far away from civilization. He spends most of his time engrossed in alchemy, trying to find the philosopher's stone, which is said to grant immortality and transmute any substance into gold. To achieve his ultimate goal, Sean experiments with improvised apparatus, volatile chemicals, and unconventional rituals. His experiments take a dark turn when he starts to hear voices and see strange visions. Sean's grip on reality begins to slip away, leaving him vulnerable and alone.

Cortez, Sean's only friend, occasionally brings groceries and supplies to Sean's trailer. Cortez is a tough but kind man who tries to look out for Sean's well-being. However, Cortez is also Sean's connection to the outside world, and his contact with the real world threatens to disrupt Sean's dark experiments.

As the movie progresses, Sean grows increasingly unstable, and his behavior becomes erratic. He becomes obsessed with an old legend of a witch who lived in the woods centuries ago, and believes that he can summon her spirit through alchemy. Sean's experiments become more dangerous and unpredictable, leading to dire consequences that catch up with him.

The Alchemist Cookbook is a movie about obsessive pursuit of power and the dark and dangerous consequences that it brings. It is a slow-burning thriller that gradually builds tension and fear to a climactic conclusion. Hickson and Cheatom deliver riveting performances, portraying the complex, often contradictory emotions of their characters. The director's unconventional camera work and use of sound effects add to the eerie ambiance.

The film's title is a reference to the medieval alchemy textbook, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, which serves as an inspiration for Sean's character. However, the movie takes a very different tone from the novel. The Alchemist Cookbook is a horror movie that explores the darker aspects of the human psyche and questions the morality of unchecked ambition.

The Alchemist Cookbook received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its raw energy and inventive style, while others criticized its slow pacing and lack of plot. However, it remains a cult classic among fans of indie horror, who appreciate its unique vision and haunting atmosphere.

In conclusion, The Alchemist Cookbook is an independent horror movie that tells the story of a hermit's obsessive pursuit of immortality through alchemy. Despite its slow pacing, the movie delivers a gripping tale of power, obsession, and the dark consequences that they bring. Hickson and Cheatom deliver excellent performances, and Potrykus's unconventional style adds to the eerie ambiance. The Alchemist Cookbook is a must-watch for fans of indie horror who are looking for something different.

The Alchemist Cookbook is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2 and a MetaScore of 73.