Dirty Laundry is a coming-of-age movie about two young adult men trying to find their path in life written and directed by Rocky Walls. Kyle Miller (Mitchell Wray) and Eric Hernandez (Charlie Schultz) have been meeting in a laundromat for some time after hours to wash clothes and discuss launching a business together, Prop Pop. Kyle, a barista and 1990s kid, is beyond excited about the venture, especially with Eric, almost too much. Eric, a bit more conservative but wanting to forge his path beyond his parents’ expectations, feels the pressure of what he is being told is a risk with Kyle.
The time has come for the two to move on or launch Prop Pop. However, an older woman, The Mysterious Stranger (Deborah Asante), pops up in the laundry mat out of thin air. Providing her thoughts on wisdom and truth, along with a coin trick, she interrupts Kyle and Eric’s laundry routine and discussions. Suddenly, the two find themselves under a magic spell and incapable of lying. Trying to break the spell, inevitably, truths come out through a look back in time at their friendship and dive into their home life and school as they contemplate the future in business and as friends. It’s a nice plot twist to provide the foundation for what’s to come.
“…an older woman, The Mysterious Stranger, pops up in the laundromat out of thin air.”
Dirty Laundry is, oddly, a 1990s period film. It uses the theme of laundry cycles to advance its story and symbolic meaning. A powerful opening sequence with great animation and music sets Dirty Laundry up to be exciting and engaging. However, Dirty Laundry is primarily a dialogue-driven film with few locations or characters. Although heartwarming and well-edited, along with good cinematography, the story and the acting sometimes fall flat because not much action happens. The breaks of “cycles,” which reveal a look into the past, “spin,” “rinse,” etc., feel a bit awkward but do break up the monotony of two characters in constant conversation. There are scenes with Kyle and his mother, as his father left him at an early age, and Eric with his family, especially his controlling father. There are a few moments in which Eric and Kyle become friends, which are important but static.
Dirty Laundry is not just a film about a business venture but a powerful exploration of friendship and personal growth. It courageously depicts how friends can work together on personal and emotional levels, especially as young adults in a changing world of acceptance and understanding. The film’s focus on Kyle and Eric’s growth into their characters is inspiring, providing a believable and satisfying ending. Despite their differences, Kyle’s artistic spirit and Eric’s practicality complement each other, leaving the audience with a sense of hope and inspiration.
"…a powerful exploration of friendship and personal growth."
