Sky has acquired rights to “Cookster: The Darkest Days,” a British crime drama featuring Nick Moran. This film will be available to audiences in the U.K. and Ireland after a successful festival tour that garnered numerous accolades.
This project is particularly meaningful for writer-producer Jason Cook, who incorporated his personal experiences into the storyline, spanning over a decade. Occurring between 1981 and 1993, the plot follows a teenager grappling with dyslexia and bullying as he becomes embroiled in the drug trade, ultimately succumbing to addiction to his own product.
Directed by Stephen Roach, the film features Moran — acclaimed for his roles in Guy Ritchie’s “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and the “Harry Potter” series — alongside Tracy Shaw, renowned for her work on “Coronation Street.” They portray the protagonist’s parents, while Craige Middleburg (“The Batman”) and Samuel Staite (“Dig Me No Grave”) depict the main character at various stages of his life. The cast is rounded out by Indonesian actress Elvira Devinamira.
For Moran, the role of Cook’s father was deeply significant. “Jason Cook is a writer whose experiences resonate deeply,” Moran remarked. “When he invited me to portray his father in a project so close to his heart, it was both an honor and a duty to assist in sharing his authentic vision.”
Shaw expressed her views on the emotional responsibility of playing Cook’s mother. “Portraying Jason’s mother was a privilege that came with the need to authentically convey emotional depth to the audience,” she noted. “It was also a joy to collaborate with such a fantastic cast and crew, as well as to have the chance to drive a car from the 1980s again.”
The film has received significant festival accolades. It was awarded best crime feature at the London Independent Film Festival in 2024, followed by best director at the Director Talents Movie Awards in 2025 and best first-time director at the London Director Awards. A nomination at the National Film Academy Awards further highlights its success.
The period-specific atmosphere is enriched by a soundtrack that includes tracks from DJ Luck & MC Neat, The Midnight, Louise Browne, and composer Gregory Dombrowski, based in Los Angeles.
Produced by Djonny Chen’s Silent D Pictures alongside Cook’s JC Pictures, Chen’s company is known for highlighting international projects. Previous works include the BFI London Film Festival entry “High Wire” starring Isabella Wei, “Finding My Voice” featuring Michelle Ryan, “Follow The Dark” with James Cosmo, and “Before Night Falls,” which emerged as a top-three box office hit in Indonesia.
Moran stressed the importance of supporting independent cinema in the U.K. “It’s crucial for the British public to back indie films like ‘Cookster: The Darkest Days,” he stated. “These narratives might otherwise remain untold, yet they portray the authentic struggles of individuals within our communities.”
Currently, “Cookster: The Darkest Days” is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video U.K., with a Sky premiere slated for later in 2025.
