Short Film Review: “Cookie Box” – A Powerful Tale of Compassion and Resilience.

“Cookie Box” written and directed by Adam Żurawiecki, tells a moving and thought-provoking story that lingers in the mind long after it has ended. With a story set against the backdrop of Malta and Ghana, this short film explores themes of compassion, trauma, and the harsh realities faced by migrants, all while weaving a narrative that shines a light on domestic abuse.

The film follows Palesa (played by Joyce Everest), a graduate migrant who finds work as a hospital cleaner in Malta. She encounters Maria, a patient who is paralyzed and bedridden, but she can sense that whatever happened to Maria wasn’t an accident. Pelesa risks everything to help Maria and find some answers to what might have happened to her.

The film starts with a beautiful shot of the coasts of Ghana, the year is 2014 and we see young Palesa (played by Hikma Abdul Razak) is walking home with a backpack. She walks into her father and mother having another argument which gets abusive. This early glimpse into Palesa’s past sets the tone for the narrative and provides contrast to the world she finds herself in as an adult.

The narrative fasts forward to 2023 when Pelasa has migrated to Malta. The transition from Ghana to Malta is handled with finesse, with the cinematography by Clive Brincat seamlessly blending the two distinct landscapes, maintaining a consistent tone and aesthetic that emphasizes the duality of Palesa’s world.

Joyce Everest in Cookie Box

Joyce Everest plays the role of the older Pelasa a performance that she clearly commits her all to. When Pelesa is first introduced to us, she wears an expression of hope and optimism as she rides the bus to the job centre. When she looks down at her CV you can tell she is beaming inside with some confidence and pride in her achievements considering her past and where she finds herself now. The disappointment on her face is equally convincing when she finds out that the only job vacancy available for her is as a cleaner at the hospital. Pelasa has no option but to accept the job. The narrative in this regard also captures the harsh realities that migrants are faced with especially when it comes to finding jobs.

Palesa’s encounter with Maria, a bedridden patient who is paralyzed, becomes the heart of the story. Żurawiecki masterfully uses these moments to delve into Palesa’s psyche, showing how past wounds often shape our present actions. It is evident that her own experiences with trauma stemming from witnessing her mother’s abuse fuel her determination to help Maria.

Maria’s  story is equally powerful. Played convincingly by Frida Cauchi,  Maria is a mother still grieving the loss of her adult son, burdened by the knowledge that she has been unable to protect herself from years of abuse. Her silent suffering is portrayed with raw vulnerability, and the film skillfully communicates her pain without the need for explicit depictions of violence.

Instead, Adam Żurawiecki’s direction captures the gravity of her situation through careful sequencing, maintaining a delicate balance that respects the subject matter without glorifying the abuse.

The real brilliance of “Cookie Box” lies in its ability to tackle the universal subject of domestic abuse with intent and purpose. The film does not shy away from the emotional weight of its themes, yet it handles them with a level of sensitivity that elevates the narrative. The storytelling transcends borders, connecting Palesa’s world with Maria’s in a way that feels both natural and profound. The blending of the two women’s journeys serves as a reminder that compassion can bridge even the deepest divides.

Frida Cauchi in Cookie Box

Żurawiecki’s writing and direction shine throughout the film’s 21-minute runtime. He utilizes every moment to explore these complex themes, crafting a story that feels both intimate and expansive. It is no surprise that “Cookie Box” earned Adam Żurawiecki the Best Director award at this year’s Accra Indie Film Festival (AiF).  Clearly, the film’s layered storytelling and powerful performances make it a standout piece that resonates on multiple levels.

Ultimately, this short is is more than just a story about a migrant’s struggles or a critique of domestic abuse. It is a poignant reminder of our shared humanity and also entreats us to be compassionate, especially with victims of abuse after all we all have a role to play. I will score this film 4 out of 5 stars.