Sky has picked up “Cookster: The Darkest Days,” a British crime drama starring Nick Moran that will reach U.K. and Ireland audiences following a successful festival run that netted multiple awards.
The film is inspired by the true-life experiences of writer and producer Jason Cook. Set between 1981 and 1993, the film, based on a story by Cook and from a screenplay by JoAnn Hess, traces how a teenager struggling with dyslexia and bullying finds his way into the drug trade, only to fall victim to dependency on what he’s selling.
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Stephen Roach directed the feature, which pairs Moran — known for Guy Ritchie’s “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and the “Harry Potter” franchise — with Tracy Shaw of “Coronation Street” fame. They play the parents of the protagonist, with Craige Middleburg (“The Batman”) and Samuel Staite (“Dig Me No Grave”) embodying the central character across different time periods. The cast also features Indonesian performer Elvira Devinamira.
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For Moran, taking on the role of Cook’s father carried special weight. “Jason Cook is a writer who wears his scars inside and out,” Moran said. “When Jason asked me to play his dad in a film so very personal to him, it was an honor and an obligation to help him bring his truth to this very genuine film.”
Shaw spoke to the emotional demands of portraying Cook’s mother. “Playing Jason’s mother was an honor with the responsibility of finding true emotions to share with the audience,” she said. “It was also a pleasure to work with such a fantastic cast and crew — and to be given the opportunity to drive a 1980s car again.”
Festival recognition has been substantial. The London Independent Film Festival awarded it best crime feature in 2024, while 2025 brought best director honors from the Director Talents Movie Awards and best first-time director from the London Director Awards. A National Film Academy Awards nomination followed.
Period atmosphere gets a boost from the soundtrack, which pulls together tracks from DJ Luck & MC Neat, The Midnight, Louise Browne and composer Gregory Dombrowski, who works out of Los Angeles.
Djonny Chen’s Silent D Pictures produced alongside Cook’s JC Pictures. Chen’s company has developed a reputation for championing varied international material, with credits including BFI London Film Festival selection “High Wire” starring Isabella Wei, “Finding My Voice” with Michelle Ryan, “Follow The Dark” featuring James Cosmo, and “Before Night Falls,” which cracked Indonesia’s top three at the theatrical box office.
Moran emphasized the importance of supporting homegrown independent cinema. “It’s vital that the British public support independent films like ‘Cookster: The Darkest Days,'” Moran said. “These are stories that might not otherwise be told, and yet they reflect the real struggles of people in our communities.”
Amazon Prime Video U.K. currently streams “Cookster: The Darkest Days,” with the Sky premiere set for later in 2025.