Is Syndrome Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2021, Syndrome represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, Mystery category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A teenager named Alex has to deal with the police because of his actions to take revenge for the bullying he experienced. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Mystery 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: "A teenager named Alex has to deal with the police because of his actions to take revenge for the bullying he experienced. Although initially Alex was the victim of bullying from his own friends at school, his heartache made him a psycho. His decision to take revenge on Lola, who is still his half-brother, actually drives him crazy. So that finally the police can reveal all of his crimes. Not only is it the cause of Lola's insanity, Alex also turns out to be the main suspect in the murder of his mother, the person who has always loved him."

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. Gusti Mahfi Syahputra does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Rangga Soerbakti 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 N/A 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 Syndrome 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 Drama, Mystery, 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, Syndrome explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2021 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Rangga Soerbakti 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, Syndrome 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 Gusti Mahfi Syahputra or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Syndrome is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.