Uncovers a mystical medical miracle in 19th-century England
“Atmospheric, intriguing, very nicely shot, classy special effects, nicely paced and very well performed” – Timothy Spall
Los Angeles, CA (August 20, 2025). It is 1893. An endearing Cornish fisherman’s wife captures the medical profession attention. She is first person to ever cure someone of tuberculosis.
Logline: A doctor is hell-bent on proving a woman’s place is in the home and not practising medicine. He is sent to investigate her miraculous claim – only to discover the source of her unearthly power…
Writer and Director Ali Cook’s The Pearl Comb explores the resilience of women. In an era when their voices were often silenced. Ali draws inspiration from the true story of the Edinburgh Seven—the first women to study medicine in the UK.
The Official Trailer for The Pearl Comb Directed by Ali Cook
Starring Beatie Edney (Highlander), and Clara Paget (Too Much for Netflix). Simon Armstrong (Game of Thrones) and Ali Cook (Ragdoll for AMC / BBC One). The Pearl Comb has become a festival favourite. It is earning 17 awards to date, among them:
1. Two awards at the British Short Film Awards.
2. The prestigious Méliès d’Argent at the Grossmann Film Festival.
3. Best in Festival at the Beeston International Film Festival.
4. Best ‘After Hours’ Short at the Cleveland International Film Festival.
The Pearl Comb follows on from Ali Cook’s BAFTA-longlisted short The Cunning Man. Which screened at 88 international festivals. Including Cinequest, FrightFest, and the Cleveland International Film Festival. The BAFTA & BIFA-qualifying Norwich Film Festival—winning 33 awards and receiving a Méliès d’Argent nomination.
His writing career began with writing and starring in seven of his own comedy series. Including Dirty Tricks (Channel 4), which was nominated for a British Comedy Award.
He’s also an actor, best known for playing Sgt. Paul McMellon in the BAFTA nominated Kajaki (Dir. Paul Katis) and How to Fake a War alongside Katherine Parkinson (Dir.Rudolph Herzog). He will appear as Ben in Falling for Channel 4. Written by Jack Thorne (screenwriter of Enola Holmes – Netflix)
His next directorial project will be a feature titled The Grimoire. Which was co-written with Eric Garcia, (Showrunner of Kaleidoscope – Netflix) and is currently in development with Stigma Films.
Producer Matthew James Wilkinson runs Stigma. Which has produced 17 features, including Yesterday for Working Title Films (written by Richard Curtis, directed by Danny Boyle).
“The Pearl Comb immediately set itself apart – ambitious, smart, scary, dramatic, funny and above all expertly crafted. Ali’s command of story and ability for holding an audience’s attention feel rare and distinctive.” – Joanna Laurie, producer of ONE LIFE (starring Anthony Hopkins)
“The Pearl Comb is a film that not only celebrates the intelligence and power of women but also critiques the societal structures that seek to suppress them. With its exquisite costume design and meticulous attention to historical accuracy; it’s a solid, must-watch piece of cinema that will leave a lasting impact.” – Auguri Film Festival
The Pearl Comb will screen at HollyShorts Film Festival — premiering on Aug 11th at TCL Chinese Theatre Auditorium #6. Find more information here.
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