Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's latest film project, Cookie Queens, has received a mixed response from audiences, with some viewers branding the documentary "very boring" and a "waste of money". Produced by the couple through their Archewell Productions company, the 91-minute documentary was released in US cinemas on August 7.
Harsh audience reviews
One IMDb viewer gave the film a particularly harsh assessment, writing: "It's not a movie, it's melatonin." The reviewer complained that the film was "incredibly drawn out" and "very boring", adding that they were "constantly fighting to stay awake" because there was not enough happening to keep them engaged.
Another IMDb user, who said they had previously been a Girl Scout, said they had wanted to enjoy the documentary but felt it was "rather contrived and fake". "I really wanted to like this," they wrote, adding that it seemed more like watching a television show than a documentary and "had no idea what it actually wanted to say".
Professional critics weigh in
Some professional critics have also questioned the film's approach. Variety described Cookie Queens as "too much of a reality-show ramble", while critic Owen Gleiberman argued that it lacked emotional depth and historical context. The San Francisco Chronicle was similarly critical, describing it as "as staged as it is sweet" and questioning its level of spontaneity.
The film follows young Girl Scouts as they attempt to reach their cookie-selling targets, exploring the pressures and ambitions surrounding the annual fundraising tradition. Meghan has a personal connection to the subject, having been a Girl Scout herself, and she and Harry serve as executive producers.
Mixed reactions and box office
The audience response has not been entirely negative. Some viewers have praised the young girls featured in the documentary, with one reviewer saying they enjoyed the different personalities and perspectives and found it nostalgic. Another described it as more of a coming-of-age story than a traditional documentary, praising the young subjects while acknowledging the pressures of cookie selling.
Other audience reviews have been much harsher. One Rotten Tomatoes viewer described it as "one of the worst documentaries I have ever seen" and said it was "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," they wrote. "Don't waste your time or your money. It was terrible." Another viewer who took their grandchildren to see the film said they were "bored to tears" and called it an "absolute waste of money".
The mixed reaction comes alongside a disappointing opening at the US box office. The film reportedly made less than £250,000 from 446 cinemas during its opening run and failed to reach the top 10 releases. It was even beaten by CatVideoFest 2026, a compilation of cat videos that was shown in fewer cinemas.
Cookie Queens was previously screened at the Sundance Film Festival and is directed by Alysa Nahmias. Its story centres on Girl Scouts navigating the cookie-selling season, including the pressures of setting targets, dealing with customers and raising money. Despite the disappointing reaction from some viewers, the film has received praise from others. One viewer gave it five stars, writing: "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." Another said: "More of a coming-of-age story than a documentary. These girls will melt your heart, but it doesn't shy away from the mental toll cookie selling has on them."
The film's UK release date has not yet been announced, meaning British audiences will have to wait before deciding for themselves whether Cookie Queens lives up to the mixed verdict from US viewers.
