Reviews for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's latest media venture, the documentary Cookie Queens, are in, and they are decidedly mixed. Released in the USA on August 7, the film has drawn sharp criticism from some viewers and critics, while others have praised it.
Documentary's Premise and Release
The 91-minute film, directed by Alysa Nahmias, follows US Girl Scouts selling cookies to raise money over a six-week period. It marks the couple's respective debuts as executive producers, produced by their firm Archewell Productions. The tradition of Girl Scout cookie sales dates back to World War One.
Critics and Audience Divided
On Rotten Tomatoes, William S wrote: “One of the worst documentaries I have ever seen. It was honestly the most boring film from start to finish. I did not go into it with a biased opinion and was hoping to see a good film, but I was seriously let down.”
Another reviewer, Jennifer R, said: "While the kids are cute, the script is boring. It feels overly managed with staged drama. It didn't seem real, based on my experience with selling girl scout/brownie cookies."
In contrast, Alice K said: “I loved it. The girls were great showing different personalities and perspectives. For those of us who sold cookies ages ago, it is a real nostalgia trip.”
Professional critics are also split. Variety described the film as having “too much of a reality-show ramble”. Critic Owen Gleiberman wrote: "Cookie Queens is a movie about precocious American girls learning to work the system, not fight it. The movie unfolds entirely in the present and never gives you even a fleeting sense of the past, of how Girl Scout Cookies rose in prominence to become the phenomenon they are today."
The Boston Globe was more positive, saying the documentary had some “surprising honesty and more than a little bite”.
Financial Performance and Future Plans
Financially, the film has brought in just £250,000 from around 446 cinemas following its first screening at the Sundance Film Festival in January this year.
The project is the latest in a series of media ventures for the couple since they stepped down as working royals in 2020, including Meghan's lifestyle brand As Ever, podcasting, and Netflix shows. Speculation continues over how much longer they will remain based in the USA.
Harry has been spending more time in the UK, with Meghan and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet joining him on a visit earlier this summer. During that visit, the couple reportedly saw King Charles and Queen Camilla. According to the Daily Express, the pair are reportedly planning a more substantive return to the UK, though not permanent or imminent. Any move is alleged to be part of a 'reverse Megxit', but this has not been confirmed.
