Prix du Pretzel

Warning – This review may contain spoilers.

Prix du Pretzel is a quirky, mockumentary-style short film that delivers a delightful twist on traditional cooking shows. Directed by Trevor Allen, the film showcases Eric Allen’s character, Eric, who has won the fictitious “Prix du Pretzel” award. Throughout the film, he provides a detailed breakdown of how to make the perfect soft pretzel while being interviewed by the animated Andy LeRoy, played by Macy Dial. What makes this film stand out is how it manages to merge the instructional format of cooking tutorials with an entertaining narrative that takes pretzel making to new, imaginative heights.

Right from the start, I appreciated how well-executed the technical aspects were. The cinematography is solid, and the lighting was consistent throughout the film, effectively highlighting both the instructional and mockumentary elements. There’s something charming about the way the camera captures the pretzel-making process with such care. The sound design, especially the whimsical banjo music during the cooking sequences, adds to the film’s lighthearted tone and elevates the fun atmosphere. However, I did feel the absence of music in certain non-cooking scenes left a slight awkwardness in the performances, which might have been intentional given the mockumentary style. Overall, the editing was smooth, and the montages showing the pretzel-making process were particularly well done, adding both visual and comedic flair.

What I loved most about Prix du Pretzel was the humor embedded within the narrative. Eric’s obsession with perfecting the soft pretzel is endearing, and the film’s exaggerated take on cooking competitions adds a playful layer. It’s clear that the filmmakers drew inspiration from popular cooking shows but chose to infuse it with their own unique, comedic spin. Andy’s interview questions and Eric’s earnest responses often straddle the line between sincerity and absurdity, creating a fun dynamic that makes you want to see how far the joke will go. The narrative structure works well for the short format, giving viewers a complete arc that ends with a satisfying visual of the “perfect” pretzel, leaving you both amused and maybe even a little hungry.

However, one area where I thought the film could have pushed further was in developing its more whimsical plot points. There’s a brief reference to the idea that pretzel makers might reflect their creations in a deeper, more twisted way—hinting at a potential darker narrative thread. While this concept is briefly introduced, it never fully materializes, leaving me curious about where the filmmakers might have taken it. I would have loved to see more exploration of the humorous idea of a pretzel maker with a “dark and twisted” side. While the film succeeds in keeping things light and amusing, I couldn’t help but feel there was room to delve into that intriguing premise a bit more.

Despite that small critique, I think Prix du Pretzel will resonate with audiences who enjoy mockumentaries, food culture, or simply want a short film that makes them smile. The combination of the exaggerated narrative, strong visuals, and lighthearted tone makes it easy to watch and even easier to enjoy. It’s a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is refreshing in a world of increasingly high-stakes, high-drama cooking content.

Trevor Allen’s ability to blend humor with a sincere love for pretzels and cooking shows is evident throughout Prix du Pretzel. It’s clear that this film was a passion project, made by a close-knit team of collaborators who poured their creativity into the smallest details. Whether you’re a pretzel enthusiast or just a fan of clever, humorous shorts, Prix du Pretzel offers a unique and thoroughly entertaining experience.