Cookster: The Darkest Days

Not at all what I expected. Not a formulaic gangster film. More a thoughtful autobiographical romance and psychological study of a working class Britain with drug crime casting a dark shadow.. Emotional and involving. Very well directed and shot with a superb performance by Tracy Shaw as the mother. Strong performances also from Nick Moran (the father) and Samuel Staite/Craige Middleburg as the young/older Jason Cook. At the end a sequel is touted, presumably based on the first of Jason Cook's four autobiographical books. It's a pity that heartfelt UK movies like this don't get noticed as much as they should amid the multimillion-backed blockbusters.

I saw this in the Basingstoke Vue cinema and had a great time with this very unique indie film.

The story follows a kid called Jason who's having a tough time with bullies and dyslexia at school while his home life isn't great either. The actor who plays the young Jason is compelling, delivering a nuanced and realistic performance. I found myself empathising with Jason's struggles very quickly in those younger years. Without spoiling anything too much we see the consequences of those struggles and how narrow Jason's future prospects become.

Technically the film boasts some really impressive visuals that capture the 90's aesthetic along with period accurate cars and props. This is a unique film with a story that you can feel the filmmakers are passionate about telling and it shows.

There needs to be more independent films like this in the cinemas, so if you get a chance to see it at a local theatre I'd highly recommend you do!

I get to see many movies and can honestly say that this is one of my most favourite true life stories. I love the way the creator tackles the subject and the challenges faced by someone with dyslexia from his personal perspective. It really does give the viewer a good insight into the world young people face suffering with dyslexia and how it affected their life's journey because they had to live with this learning difficulty in the 80s. Thankfully nowadays dyslexia is taken more seriously and detected early. But still more work and support needs to be done. Great films like this raises the awareness of what happens if not diagnosed early enough.

Hats off to the casting director for choosing such great actors.

A very compelling movie that leaves you on the edge of your seat. I can't wait to see the follow on movie.

The reason I have given this a great star rating is because as well as been an engaging film it starts deep conversations .. The realities of life that learning struggle can impact on.

The dangers and destruction of drugs.. Written to have impact and help others avoid the grave mistake of thinking it is an easy path to take drugs to escape the responsible of life.. A glimpse into the real dark side of life and the impact it can have when ure on that journey.

I want this film to do well and cannot wait to see the next one !!.

Some great actors in it and they capture the characters played so well.

Didn't know what to expect going to watch this. But all I can say is that I was blown away with the actors and director and cinematography of the movie. I have been following Craige Middleburg career for year's. And for me seeing him performing at this level on the big screen, without the hype that other actors get. Got me emotional, excited, intrigue and wanted to shout at the world. Why ain't you all watching Cookster ? A movie we can all relate too growing up in the UK in the 80s, 90s and 2000s. Tough times but good times also. The film brings justice to the these era's. Big respect to the Cookster Crew👊💥💥💥💥💥