Characters in the animated documentary “Endless Cookie,” by Seth Scriver and his half-brother Peter from the Shamattawa First Nations, have noses that stick out like pickles with wrinkles or balloons that have lost their air. The film, filled with humor and meandering storylines, is both quirky and historically significant. Peter’s personal memories provide the basis for this family-oriented movie, offering insights into Indigenous life in Canada.
As Pete shares memories from his life, these personal stories encompass broader topics, such as the effects of residential schools, land disputes with profit-driven corporations, and the overrepresentation of First Nations individuals in the prison system. Occasionally, he uses a few Cree words or phrases, and discusses the spiritual beliefs of his community.
The film titled ‘Endless Cookie’ offers a unique insight into the nine-year journey of its creation, from securing government funding to documenting Pete’s stories amidst the chaos of his crowded and isolated home in Shamattawa, a place where there’s just one store. This house is shared by Pete and nearly a dozen family members and 10 dogs, one of whom bears an unusual resemblance to Mr. Peanut. The characters in this documentary may not mirror the physical appearance of their real-life counterparts, but they embody their spirits perfectly. For instance, Pete’s daughter, Cookie Scriver, is portrayed as a cookie with legs, while other children are depicted as vibrant blobs with unruly hair or everyday objects brought to life.
The storytelling style in “Endless Cookie” weaves various plotlines together, then briefly sets them aside before revisiting them, much like how you might discuss different topics during a relaxed chat with close friends who are well-versed in your personal tales. For instance, the anecdote about Pete trapped by an animal snare serves as a sort of structural element, keeping the story generally coherent. Seth Scriver, the creative director, ensures that the narrative threads appear free-flowing, mirroring his spontaneous journey from Toronto to Shamattawa where he captures the diverse voices interjecting and shaping the animation.
The movie frequently shifts focus, giving various relatives a chance to control the story briefly and express their personal stories or fantasies in an animated, dreamlike fashion. Short interludes, like one showing a coffee mug making a witty comment or a self-aware car seat tuning into radio news about current social and political topics, are typical of the film’s relaxed, wandering narrative style. “Endless Cookie” shares a similar offbeat tone, disorganized structure, and humorous, grotesque animation style with TV shows like “Regular Show,” “Adventure Time,” or “Rick and Morty.” Not everyone may find its humor appealing.
Despite being somewhat exaggerated and potentially trying the patience of some viewers, given their playful nature, these scenes frequently offer a poignant insight into the historical mistreatment faced by Indigenous people. This is evident even in scenarios where a character’s voice resembles Marlon Brando from “The Godfather.” What stands out as particularly surprising is that some of the most implausible stories supported by photographic proof are precisely these tales.
A significant part of the novel “Endless Cookie” delves into Pete’s youth as a Native Toronto resident, where he and his friends frequently attempt to score free pizza or grapple with alcohol problems. Yet, amidst some of the most heart-wrenching moments in his life, Pete’s laughter is contagious, silently conveying an admirable “what can you do” outlook through hearty giggles, often in harmony with Seth. Seth Scriver effectively demonstrates why he believes Pete to be a compelling storyteller.
Pete isn’t especially charming or has a mesmerizing voice, but he transforms seemingly unimportant, isolated facts into humorous anecdotes that make life seem less burdensome. Even with his lowbrow humor involving jokes about flatulence and caribou mating, the Scrivers’ “Endless Cookie” respectfully preserves the legacy of those who have gone before, helping each new generation find their own perspective on our challenging times.
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2025-02-01 12:17