A dyslexic youth has to struggle with all manner of challenges and finds it tough to read the life signs in Stephen Edward Roach‘s indie true story-cum-social drama COOKSTER THE DARKEST DAYS, based on the tough and true life exploits of Jason Cook.
Young Jason (Samuel Staite) aka ‘Cookster‘ is struggling both at home and school with his own personal issues affecting his education and well-being. Disruptive to say the least, his home life is impacted by the struggles that his father Mick (Nick Moran) and mother Lynda (Tracy Shaw, a far cry from her time on CORONATION STREET)) continually face.
Inevitably, everyone finds themselves looking for role models, good or bad. In Jason’s case, he meets a group of peers in a green hill area where he tries to assimilate into their lifestyle and world.
Amidst the haze of ecstasy and spliffs, Jason bonds with Dani (Kaitlyn Pang) a bright student a year senior who has more vision for herself but also tries to see the good in Jason, who continues to be disruptive until he is expelled but allowed back conditionally for one or two classes.
The lure of drugs and a fleeting high become more appealing than the mind-altering perceptions of educated writers and the adult Jason and Dani (Craige Middleburg, Elvira Devinamira) have to see whether their love can stand the key tests that all youth go through, coupled with those life-long bonds determined to remain attached…..
Molded from the same cloth as the likes of KES, THIS IS ENGLAND and TRAINSPOTTING, COOKSTER THE DARKEST DAYS travels a familiar cinematic road that British films do a bit more grittier than the likes of Working Title on occasion, hitting inevitably a little more close to home and with heartbreaking results.
It is downbeat in terms of the depressing status quo that the ensemble of characters are found to be in here, but it does provide a different take on things given Jason’s own dyslexic challenges. Moran is competent as the father and as effective as he was in LOCK, STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS. The real revelation here is Tracy Shaw, who delivers a highly-charged emotional performance as Cook’s mother, a performance that delivers – one to be noted and proud of.
The young lead quartet playing young and adult Jason and Dani are consistent and watchable throughout, guiding us through this dark slice of life in fair and fine form – and no less watchable for that, preaching the ongoing perils of addiction coupled with highlighting key mental health issues.
COOKSTER THE DARKEST DAYS plays as part of the London Independent Film Festival 2024. For tickets and info please go to:
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