‘Cookie Queens’ Doc Review: Meghan Markle-Produced Film Rambles

The documentary 'Cookie Queens,' executive produced by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry through their Archewell Productions, has been reviewed as a film that prioritizes a reality-show-like narrative over substantive exploration. Director Alysa Nahmias is noted for framing the documentary as a contest, focusing on the achievements of four young girls involved in the Girl Scout cookie sales program. This approach, according to the review, leads to a singular, repetitive tone that fails to delve deeper into the subjects.

The film centers on the intense competition and dedication involved in selling Girl Scout cookies, a program that has been a significant part of American youth culture for over a century. Each year, millions of boxes of cookies are sold, raising funds for local troops and providing valuable business and leadership experience for young participants. 'Cookie Queens' appears to highlight the entrepreneurial spirit and drive of its young protagonists, showcasing their strategies and efforts to achieve top sales figures. However, the review suggests that this focus on the 'achiever' narrative, while entertaining on a superficial level, ultimately limits the documentary's scope and impact.

Despite the involvement of high-profile producers like Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, whose Archewell Productions aims to create content that highlights diverse voices and stories, 'Cookie Queens' is described as a "ramble." This suggests a lack of clear direction or a failure to connect the individual stories to broader themes or societal contexts. The review implies that the film might have benefited from a more analytical or investigative approach, rather than relying solely on the inherent drama of a sales competition. The comparison to a reality television show indicates a potential for sensationalism over substance, a critique often leveled at the genre. The documentary's adherence to a single, unvaried note is presented as a significant weakness, preventing a more nuanced or comprehensive portrayal of the girls and their experiences.

Archewell Productions, founded by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has stated its mission to use storytelling to drive social change and personal transformation. Their involvement in 'Cookie Queens' suggests an interest in stories of young people's empowerment and entrepreneurship. However, the review indicates that the execution of this particular project did not fully realize its potential, falling into predictable patterns associated with reality programming. The film's structure, as described, focuses on the girls as "eager-beaver achievers," a framing that, while potentially admirable, is seen as insufficient for a compelling documentary that could offer more profound insights into the motivations, challenges, and broader implications of their participation in the cookie sales phenomenon.