Ali Cook is a writer, director, and actor with a knack for weaving history and folklore into strikingly cinematic tales. His latest short, The Pearl Comb, set in 1893 Cornwall, blends the true story of Britain’s first female doctors with mermaid myths to create a haunting narrative of medicine, superstition, and power. Already making waves on the festival circuit, the film cements Cook’s reputation for visual flair and layered storytelling. To learn more about his creative process and future projects, we caught up with Ali Cook for an interview.
The Pearl Comb is wonderful work. Can you tell us the story behind the film and what sparked the idea in the first place?
I heard about the Edinburgh Seven: the first women in the UK to qualify as doctors. However, the public and the medical establishment were so terrified of educated women practicing medicine that they tried to suppress them. I then managed to weave that true story together with ancient Cornish folk tales about mermaids.
How did the Cornish landscape shape the narrative you wanted to tell?
Cornwall shaped the entire atmosphere of the story. I wanted it set in a place that felt bleak yet beautiful—and Penzance was the perfect fit.
What did you find most challenging about the production?
How on earth do you create a convincing mermaid on screen?! It took months of inventive work with the SFX and VFX teams.
Visually, the film is stunning to look at. Tell us about your collaboration with the design team and DoP David Miller in creating such striking imagery and effects.
I first met Dave on my short film The Cunning Man. He did such a fantastic job that I knew I wanted to collaborate with him again on this project. If you watch both shorts, you can see how The Pearl Comb builds on and advances the visual style we developed in The Cunning Man.
You are both behind and in front of the camera for this project. What is it like to direct yourself and do you think your acting background influenced your approach as a director?
Being an actor myself, I know how vulnerable it feels when all eyes are on you. Therefore, I know the best approach is to constantly reassure your actors and give them encouragement.
Strangely, being in the ring with the other cast makes it feel more like a team effort for me, as if we’re all in it together. It really works well.
The film feels so cinematic, do you see it evolving into a full-length feature down the line?
I write stories simply because I write stories, and this one just happened to be fifteen pages long. But more and more people are telling me it would make a great feature.
The Pearl Comb has been making waves on the festival circuit. How does it feel to see your film get this recognition?
I’m also a stand-up comedian, and the experience of trying out brand-new material is very similar. Ultimately, you have to say that new joke on stage and the audience either loves it or they don’t. It’s the same with a short film, but when it kicks in, it’s the greatest feeling in the world!
What’s next on the horizon for you?
I’m currently working on two features and aiming to get those green-lit.