Sick Product of a Sick System

Purely Joyful Movie!

Admirable film.

Clever, believable, and super fun to watch. It totally has replay value.

After watching "The Dirties", I'm pretty impressed. You can tell that this is a pretty low budget film, and it proves that no matter what a film's budget it, it can still be very impactful. The final moments of "The Dirties" are very disturbing. There's not as much gruesome violence as one might expect from a film that is essentially about a school shooting, but it is still terrifying, and works better without any blood and gore.While the movie is very dark and disturbing, don't expect the film to be completely void of any entertainment value. It almost starts off like a dark comedy, with many amusing bits and characters. This IS a genuinely funny film...but it doesn't stay like that for long. The scenes towards the climax are very intense, and as the film progresses we realize more and more that the main character is a legitimate psychopath.There's some flaws in the film, mainly having to due with technical issues that I had. For example, there's a lot of the cameraman zooming in and out to annoying effect. But, other than those little flaws, the movie is spectacular and highly recommended!

This one had come across my desk a number of times, on lists of "Movies you must see" and so on and so forth, but something about a movie depicting a school shooting just didn't strike me as something I was terribly keen to see. Especially given the frequency in which we see the very real, and very tragic event unfold on almost a daily basis these days.However, more time went by, and more recommendations for the film came through, so I broke down and checked it out. I couldn't be more pleased that I did. The Dirties is gripping, frightening, and devastating, and I would say that if you've been avoiding it like me, it's time to check it out.One of the things that really makes this movie work is the performances. Director/Star Matt Johnson and Owen Williams are both dynamite in their roles as Matt and Owen. Their chemistry is solid, and the depictions of high school students feel very genuine, and there seems to be a real element of writing from experience. Their time in high school is complicated, and feels a lot like my own experiences with bullying, friends, and just trying to get through.The mockumentary format is very effective, though there are sections that don't make a ton of sense in terms of where/why a camera man is present. Matt addresses the camera man from time to time, but even still there are times when it's not really established why there is a camera there, such as during a heated argument where the camera man appears to be hiding in a closet, rather than actually hanging out with friends.The final scene in the movie is one of the most gripping and intense scenes I've had the pleasure of sitting through in a very long time. You know exactly where the scene is going, and somehow that only increases the tension. My heart was pounding in my chest, and I really had a visceral reaction to what I was seeing.That said, the movie is definitely disturbing. Particularly given the current trend of mass shootings from the United States, and I did find it as upsetting as it was entertaining. I do recommend the movie, but as one for adults who have gotten through high school and realized (as we all do) that those years, ultimately don't matter. Rather than teens stuck in a shitty situation.There are great performances, a fabulous soundtrack, and a lot of talent on display in The Dirties and, while it's not without its faults, I really look forward to seeing what these filmmakers come out with next. If you haven't seen it, you should.

Shot in a documentary-like (some would say, found footage) style, and aided by the natural performances and dialogue of the characters, everything in this production seems eerily authentic. At first glance, The Dirties simply appears to be a cautionary tale on the bullying problem that plagues students in most schools, but it is much more than that. It also stands as a prime example of all that can still be accomplished in independent cinema today. Filmed on a budget of approximately $10,000, first time filmmaker Matt Johnson and his team simultaneously manage to create a work of art flourishing with film-making energy, while displaying an honest, realistic and chilling portrayal of those who are victimized as a result of bullying. Though it's nowhere near as graphic as the plot would lead one to believe, it's bound to bring up some controversy as it challenges one's moral values and blurs the line between what is right and wrong when seeking repentance.

Decently done but the movie is all set up and no payoff. Ironically, the last few minutes are the most unbelievable. I can't really recommend it.Characterisation and cinematography are very well done and the tone of the movie captures the high school project feel. The characters are mostly believable and the progression is realistic.Maybe it's a personal fault of mine that after all this set up I want the deed done. I want the catharsis and the repercussions. I don't want a movie that is simply a prelude or prequel to the Columbine footage. The movie artfully crafts characters and then abandons them.TL;DR A long road to nowhere.