The Pearl Comb – Film Review
The Pearl Comb picked up Best Narrative Short Film at the Utah International Film Festival and has gone on to be shortlisted for both the Academy Awards and BAFTA! So is the film really worth the hype?
Yes. Yes it is.
In 1893, an endearing Cornish fisherman’s wife captures the attention of the medical profession as the first person to cure someone of tuberculosis. A doctor—determined to prove that a woman’s place is in the home and not in medicine—is sent to investigate her miraculous claim, only to discover the source of her unearthly power.
The film is directed by Ali Cook, who’s no stranger to making compelling shorts. His previous work, The Cunning Man, screened at 88 international festivals and won 33 awards.
Several aspects of The Pearl Comb stood out to me, the first being its production design. I’m a stickler for immersive storytelling, and this film pulled me right into 1893 Cornwall. Everything—from the sound design to the visual details—kept me rooted in the world, never distracted by anything outside the moment.
Speaking of sound design, it was spot-on. It didn’t feel overly polished just for the sake of clarity—it felt natural, lived-in, and perfectly matched the tone of the story.
Ali Cook not only directed but also took on the role of the doctor, delivering a layered performance while crafting a well-thought-out, multi-dimensional story.
Beattie Edney was outstanding in her role. Every moment she was on screen felt authentic and fully in service of the story. Her performance could be a masterclass for many actors.
Clara Paget, the Mermaid, has a natural ability to command the viewer’s attention. Her performance was subtle yet intense, with an impressive range—from meek and humble to ferocious and otherworldly. Her ability to communicate so much with just her eyes was remarkable.
The film also owes much of its success to cinematographer Dave Miller. Dave shaped the lighting and color as if they were another character in the story. Many horror-leaning films hide in shadow, but here, every detail of the set was visible while still maintaining a consistent, moody tone. A standout moment for me was the light in the tank toward the end—an inspired choice that gave the climax a vital splash of color.
This production clearly had an entire team operating at a high level across every department—something you’d expect from a modest-budget feature rather than a short. This wasn’t five friends with a camera; this was a small army, and they all delivered.
FYI, don’t rush out of the theater when the credits start, you’ll miss a sweet post-credit scene.
The Pearl Comb absolutely earns its reputation. It’s beautifully made, emotionally grounded, and bad ass. Ali Cook and his team have made a stellar film and their Oscar and BAFTA run makes perfect sense after seeing it.
