Crooked Candy is a vastly imaginative, intimate, and heartwarming short documentary directed by Andrew Rodgers in 2014. With an unconventional blend of empathy, curiosity, and whimsy, it takes the audience on a joy-filled journey into the world of Kinder Surprise, a wildly popular chocolate egg filled with miniature toys. The film serves as a delightful exploration into the human propensity for collecting and the curious nostalgia aroused by simple childhood joys.

The protagonist and driving force of the film is a Bulgarian man named Emilian, who has been utterly enraptured by the allure of Kinder Surprise since his childhood growing up in Communist-era Bulgaria. In a world where many things were scarce, the Kinder egg, with its small, hidden toy, immediately captivated him and has held his fascination ever since. His almost spiritual fascination with these tiny treasures is the central narrative around which the entire film orbits.

The film delves into Emilian's obsession with Kinder eggs in the United States, a country where the chocolate treat is banned because of a law prohibiting inedible objects inside confectionery products. However, this has only spurred Emilian's passion into an underground mission. The film subtly reflects on the philosophical nature of Emilian's relentless pursuit and fascination while immersing the audience in the whimsical yet complicated world of Kinder Surprise collecting.

Crooked Candy's charm lies in its ability to present a story of profound warmth and happiness without compromising the depth and complexity of its subject matter. Emilian's personal story is one of determination and pure joy, built on a foundation of genuine human connection and shared childhood experiences. His immigrant story of homesickness and trying to hold onto remnants of his Eastern European childhood feels universal and deeply relatable.

Rodgers' direction skillfully guides the audience through the labyrinthine world of Kinder egg collecting. His intimate narrative style strikes a balance between humor and introspection, making the documentary resonate strongly with a broad range of audiences. The film is both visually lovely and deftly constructed, boasting a wonderful combination of personal interview footage, whimsical graphics, and thought-provoking narration. The cinematography and vibrant use of color stand out, reflecting the playfulness and enchanting thrill that Kinder Surprise brings to Emilian's life.

As much as it is an exploration of a hobby that borders obsession, the film is symbolic of our shared human need for joy and connection. Rodgers magnifies this compulsion by letting Emilian and his delightful pursuit shine in the spotlight, captured with reverence and affection. The director shows Emilian's immense collection and his continuous anticipation for the next surprise concealed within the chocolate shell as a reminder of the simplicity and delight of childhood.

Crooked Candy is a relatively light, cheerful, and unconventional documentary that examines childhood nostalgia, the thrill of anticipation, the joy of surprise, and the human connection inherent in shared experiences. The film touches lightly on themes of legality, culture, and immigration, but these serious issues never overwhelm the joyful story at the center of the film, meaning that viewers are left with a sense of warmth and a smile on their faces.

The film also does an excellent job of highlighting the absurdity of the Kinder egg's illegal status in the United States, contrasting it subtly with its massive popularity worldwide. However, the film doesn't linger too heavily on a social critique; it instead maintains its focus on a fascinating man and his infectious love for life's simple pleasures.

In Crooked Candy, Andrew Rodgers has successfully delivered a beautiful and soul-howling short film that tells a delightful and deeply human story through the lens of Kinder Surprise collecting. With its combination of lighthearted humor, profound heart, and simple, well-told story, Crooked Candy serves as a testament to the enchantment of the Kinder Surprise, eliciting laughter, nostalgia, and a profound sense of connection. The documentary ultimately leaves viewers feeling a little lighter, a bit more amused, and profoundly reminded of the wonders that simple joys and childhood memories can do to uplift the human spirit.