Cookie Queen is a charming and intimate look at four girls selling cookies for the Girl Scouts of America. They range in age from five to twelve, and come from a variety of backgrounds, though all seem to be relatively stable economically. That becomes important as the story progresses, because as the film shows, the Girl Scouts are required to buy the products they sell, so those legendary sales goals are truly make or break. Wisely, the film does not contain narration and only a few onscreen statistics to keep track of these goals, give the girls names and let us know a little something about how all this works and where they live.
Courtesy Roadside Attractions
The majority of the film is about the day to day efforts by these girls and their families to sell the many boxes of cookies they have taken on. Each has a story different from the other and each has widely different goals and needs. Given the lack of narration, it is left to the viewer to put things together. Is there a thesis, here? Or, is this just a story about four girls from all over the United States? Yes, and no.
The film never explicitly states anything about intent but the effect of the work is an examination of expectation and desire, of determination and will. It is about expression and capitalism, along with the joys and sorrows of youth. For all that, however, it is a very light work that does not wallow in the darkness. Instead, it allows each of its subjects a chance to shine and for the audience to get to know and care.
Courtesy Roadside Attractions
One subject is only five years old and sets a goal of fifty-five boxes to be sold, which she determines will be done by her, pulling them in a wagon. She also takes Pilates in order to become stronger so she can pull that wagon all by herself. It is even more adorable when you watch it all unfold. Another is the youngest of three sisters, seemingly pushed into the cookie business by a Type-A mother. Another of the girls will remind the audience a little of Tracie Flick, from Election-though this child is far nicer and more reasonable-while the last one just wants to make her parents proud of her and show that she can achieve something on which she is focused, despite her obliviousness to the concerns her parents have about the endeavor.
This film does not waste a frame of its ninety-one minute run time, even filling up the credits with footage of the girls from when they were younger. You will chuckle, you will get invested and you may end up with a favorite or two. If the film has a weakness, it is that we could have spent more time getting to know these girls and their situations outside their time as Scouts, in order to add more context to the proceedings. Yet, that is not the focus or intent of the project.
Courtesy Roadside Attractions
The film is not going to be for everyone, as it does not concern itself directly with social issues, politics, war, or the like. Instead, it tells a simple story very directly and lets the viewer see what these girls experience. It is akin to a diary or journal entry, without the gossip. It is an accounting rather than a direction. It would be fascinating to know what was left on the cutting room floor and why and a director’s commentary on a future physical release could be quite illuminating. But, until then, savor what we have been given and enjoy the portion on offer.
Cookie Queens opens in theaters on Friday, August 7th.
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