Written and directed by Peter Scriver and Seth Scriver, two half-brothers, one Indigenous and one white, embark on a journey through time and place. They travel from their remote home in Shamattawa to the vibrant urban landscape of the 1980s.
A lot of documentaries tend to follow the tried and tested path of how to tell their stories, then occasionally one comes along that tries something new, Endless Cookie is one of those films. The style that Peter Scriver and Seth Scriver take is incredibly unusual, in the best of ways. The animation is bursting off of the screen, it’s hand-drawn style has a great deal of personality and charm, and it’s unique which is always a lovely thing to find in any film, no matter the genre. It feels entirely original, natural and has a wonderfully offbeat tone.
It’s a bit of a cliché to say but it does walk to the beat of its own drum, both in its style and in the tone and progression of its story. It feels no need for traditional ways, it wanders through its tale like a casual chat and it works surprisingly well. At times it may wander off course but there’s an enjoyable nature to how it moves in an unpredictable fashion. To that point, it feels as though it wouldn’t have worked without the animation, it brings bigger life to the emotions at play, and helps to add a satiric touch.
Granted, it does still have its limitations, it is a collection of ramblings with a not entirely clear path but if you’re willing to simply enjoy it and not expect a direct route, it works. Especially as if you stick with it, it has a sneakily reflective quality. It all feels quite jovial and playful but ultimately, you realise it does have a bigger message, one about respecting the heritage and culture of Native American communities. Exploring how experiences and perspectives differ, as well as celebrating those communities, and their family in general.
Endless Cookie may not always have the most cohesive story and might not work for everyone, but for those who can appreciate that its intentions don’t require a traditional path, there’s plenty to enjoy. The animation style is terrific, both in its originality and in how much it brings out the charming, touching qualities to the recollections of its filmmakers/subjects. They take an endearing sojourn down memory lane to explore their experiences and perspectives, it’s sweet, lively and playful, while also having a surprising sincerity and deeper meaning.
FilmCarnage.com 