Reviews: The Dirties (2013) Movie Review / Ending Explained / FAQs
Genres: Thriller, Drama, Comedy, Crime
Subgenres:
Horror fans will enjoy our review of The Dirties (2013), where we cover its story, scares, and how it ranks among modern horror classics.
The Dirties (2013) Movie Review – A Dark and Unflinching Look at Teen Violence
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The Dirties (2013) dives headfirst into one of the most unsettling yet timely issues faced by teens—bullying and its devastating consequences. This indie mockumentary follows two high school friends, Matt and Owen, as they film a student project about getting revenge on the bullies they label “The Dirties.” At first, their antics feel playful, juvenile, and even darkly comedic. But as the lines between fantasy and intent begin to blur, the story spirals into more chilling territory.
The film cleverly masks its intensity behind layers of awkward humor and raw, unscripted dialogue. Matt, played by director Matt Johnson himself, is an energetic teen obsessed with cinema. Owen, his quieter counterpart, begins to feel uncomfortable as Matt’s obsession with getting even grows darker. Their relationship subtly shifts throughout the film, revealing cracks in their friendship and hinting at emotional isolation, repression, and disillusionment.
Underneath the surface lies a bold commentary on the effects of bullying, unchecked emotional trauma, and the toxic influence of media. It dares to explore the progression from victimhood to potential violence without exploiting the subject matter.
Acting, Cinematography, and Direction
Matt Johnson delivers a compelling performance that’s disturbingly authentic. His charm and comedic timing draw you in, making the film’s tonal shift all the more impactful. Owen Williams, who plays his namesake, brings a grounded, natural performance that balances out Matt’s unpredictability.
Cinematographer Jared Raab captures the film in a shaky, found-footage style that feels personal and intrusive. The mockumentary format—blending fictional narrative with documentary-style realism—pulls the viewer directly into the chaotic high school experience.
The direction is fearless. Matt Johnson’s choice to blur scripted moments with real-life footage creates an unnerving sense of unpredictability. Classroom scenes, hallway interactions, and background students all feel unstaged and eerily familiar. It’s this realism that makes the film so potent.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
The greatest strength of The Dirties is its unfiltered portrayal of a troubled teen spiraling into darker territory. The direction thrives in ambiguity—rarely telling you how to feel, and instead forcing you to sit with the discomfort of watching someone unravel.
The film’s dialogue, often improvised, adds to the authenticity, but at times feels meandering. Certain scenes drag slightly, especially in the first half. However, this pacing builds tension and makes the later events hit harder.
The weakness lies in the lack of a clear emotional release. Viewers looking for resolution may find the film’s conclusion hauntingly incomplete—but that’s the point. It mirrors real-life scenarios where red flags are missed and consequences come too late.
Final Verdict & Score (1–10)
Score: 7/10
The Dirties is a bold and disturbing film that takes a creative risk—and for the most part, it succeeds. Its unorthodox style, raw performances, and socially relevant subject matter create a powerful impact that lingers well after the credits. While its minimalistic approach may frustrate some viewers, it delivers a gut punch of emotional realism that’s hard to ignore.
The 7/10 rating reflects the film’s emotional depth, creative execution, and powerful message. The ending’s abruptness, while thematically appropriate, slightly detracts from its rewatch value.
Who Will Enjoy It
Fans of mockumentaries and found-footage films
Viewers interested in thought-provoking indie dramas
Audiences seeking socially conscious storytelling about high school life
Who Might Be Disappointed
Those expecting a traditional revenge thriller
Viewers sensitive to school-related violence or mental health themes
Audiences looking for polished cinematography and a clean narrative arc
Most Searched FAQs About The Dirties (2013)
1. What is The Dirties (2013) movie about?
The Dirties follows two high school friends, Matt and Owen, who are working on a film project that satirizes their real-life bullies, nicknamed "The Dirties." What starts as a humorous take on revenge begins to take a darker turn as Matt blurs the line between fiction and reality, pushing the narrative into a much more serious direction.
2. Is The Dirties based on a true story?
While The Dirties is not directly based on a specific true story, it was inspired by real-world issues such as bullying and school-related violence. The movie uses a mockumentary style to make the narrative feel authentic, borrowing elements from real teen behavior and school environments.
3. What is the significance of the film project Matt and Owen are making?
Their film project initially serves as a creative outlet and a coping mechanism for dealing with school bullying. However, it quickly becomes a way for Matt to vent deeper frustrations and potentially plan something more harmful under the guise of a joke. The camera becomes both a confessional and a weapon, symbolizing Matt’s descent.
4. Why does Owen distance himself from Matt?
As Matt’s ideas grow more extreme, Owen becomes visibly uncomfortable. He begins to realize that Matt might not be joking about confronting the bullies. Owen’s withdrawal represents his internal conflict—wanting to support his friend but fearing where it’s heading.
5. What genre is The Dirties?
The film is a hybrid of mockumentary, found-footage, psychological thriller, and drama. It blends dark humor with heavy social commentary, creating a unique viewing experience that feels both raw and unnerving.
6. Why is the movie called The Dirties?
"The Dirties" is the nickname Matt and Owen give to the bullies at school. It’s a symbolic label, separating “us” from “them” in their film. The name dehumanizes the bullies and subtly foreshadows how far Matt is willing to go to reclaim control.
7. Is the movie appropriate for teens?
The Dirties includes mature themes related to violence, bullying, and emotional trauma. While the film aims to spark conversation, it is recommended for older teens and adults due to its intense subject matter and psychological content.
8. What happens to Matt at the end of The Dirties?
Matt’s mental state deteriorates as the film progresses. By the end, it becomes apparent that his intentions have shifted from playful fantasy to a dangerous plan. The camera captures his final moments as he enters the school with a backpack and clear determination—implying the worst without showing it directly.
The Dirties (2013) Ending Explained – A Chilling Descent into Real-Life Consequences
In the final act of The Dirties, Matt becomes increasingly isolated, obsessed with turning their school project into something more real. Owen, now emotionally withdrawn, no longer supports the film or Matt’s actions. Matt takes matters into his own hands, filming what appears to be the setup for a real attack, complete with a list and planned entry points.
The camera footage ends on a haunting note as Matt, dressed differently and now fully committed to his plan, walks through the school halls alone. The viewer is left to interpret what happens next. The film’s refusal to explicitly show the outcome is deliberate—it forces the audience to reflect on how unnoticed signs can escalate into irreversible actions.
This ambiguous conclusion mirrors real-world tragedies where troubled youth fall through the cracks. The Dirties doesn’t glamorize or sensationalize—it emphasizes warning signs, missed opportunities for intervention, and the thin line between fantasy and reality when trauma festers without help.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- The Dirties Rating Scores
- Our Score: 7/10
- Overall Score: 7.13/10
- IMDB: 6.8/10
- MetaCritic: 6.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 8.3/10
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