Dirty Laundry, the feature film written and directed by Rocky Walls, offers a nostalgic nod to male friendship. Set in 1997, the film stars Mitchell Wray and Charlie Schultz as two teenagers navigating a life event when their relationship is tested in a supernatural way. Delightfully similar to Freaky Friday in its story arc and resolution, Dirty Laundry tells a heartfelt story full of authenticity. Due to its relatability surrounding coming-of-age themes, it’s the perfect film for adolescents, especially those entering high school.

A Nostalgic Nod to the 90s

The film opens with a montage that feels extracted from a 90’s rom-com. The pop-rock soundtrack hits all the right notes and sets the stage for our protagonists, Kyle (Wray) and Eric (Schultz). It’s a Thursday night, which to them means only one thing: It’s time to call their bi-weekly business meeting, at the local laundromat, to order. Every other Thursday is laundry night and the boys use that time to work on their developing business plan.

Watch the Dirty Laundry trailer here.

On this night, they encounter a woman who offers unsolicited life advice and leaves them with a parting gift in the form of a spell. Once she leaves, the boys realize that her magic spell removed their ability to lie. Kyle and Eric have some fun with this newfound power, asking each other questions and knowing full well they will get the truth. However, the lightheartedness turns into a make-it-or-break-it moment when some hard truths are shared that threaten to disrupt their friendship.

Takeaway

Truth and friendship can never be fully separated in Dirty Laundry, whose title also refers to the secrets we all harbor within ourselves. Filmmaker Rocky Walls uses trust as the cornerstone of this sentimental coming-of-age film, and the result is a timeless story about the power of friendship. Dirty Laundry may not be a big blockbuster with an infinite budget, but it is a charming, small-scale production that is sure to relate to younger audiences.