Is Alkesah Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Alkesah, a standout production of 2018, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Music, Comedy, Fantasy landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Mat Jenin is a hopeless dreamer who is the new village head of Kampung Alkesah, a position he reluctantly inherited from his late father, along with the mounting misfortunes that have been distressing his beloved village. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Music, Comedy, Fantasy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Mat Jenin is a hopeless dreamer who is the new village head of Kampung Alkesah, a position he reluctantly inherited from his late father, along with the mounting misfortunes that have been distressing his beloved village. At the advice of Pak Belalang, the village astrologer, Mat Jenin must embark on a quest to brave through Hutan Bahana to the summit of Gunung Saman and seek out the evil witch Nenek Kebayan. Only by doing the witch's bidding will the curse that she has put on the village be lifted, thus ensuring survival and happiness for his merry bunch of villagers. Mat Jenin soon discovers that this daring mission might be more than his great imagination could ever have conjured."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Siti Khalijah Zainal, the performance in Alkesah feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Aidli Mosbit is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 117 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Alkesah truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Music, Comedy, Fantasy, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Alkesah explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2018 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Aidli Mosbit respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Alkesah is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Siti Khalijah Zainal or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Alkesah is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.