Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead

Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead

Year: 1991

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Stephen Herek

Comedy

While their mother is out of town, two teenage girls throw a wild party and accidentally kill their babysitter. Suddenly left to clean up the mess and cover up the incident, the sisters must navigate a chaotic situation. One sister unexpectedly finds herself working in the fast-paced world of fashion, quickly learning that adulthood comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities, far beyond the allure of glamour.

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In the sun‑blazed suburbs of Los Angeles, a summer that was supposed to be carefree suddenly turns into a frantic scramble when a mother jets off for a long vacation, leaving her five children under the watch of a live‑in babysitter. The house quickly becomes a playground for teenage rebellion, with Swell—a spirited 17‑year‑old on the cusp of adulthood—caught between the allure of endless freedom and the sudden weight of unexpected responsibility. Her siblings—Kenny, Zach, Melissa, and Walter—each bring their own brand of chaos, turning the family home into a buzzing microcosm of teenage energy and mischief.

Thrown into the real world far earlier than she imagined, Swell lands a job that thrusts her into the fast‑paced world of fashion. After a brief stint at a quirky fast‑food joint, a bold, fabricated résumé lands her a receptionist position at General Apparel West, where she meets the confident executive Rose. The office hums with the rhythms of runway deadlines, eccentric designers, and office politics, offering Swell a crash course in professionalism, creativity, and the subtle art of navigating adult expectations while still clinging to her youthful optimism. As she learns to balance spreadsheets with sketchbooks, the line between work and play blurs, and the office becomes a second stage for her growing confidence.

Amidst the glossy fabrics and office banter, a tentative romance flickers with Bryan, a laid‑back coworker who shares Swell’s desire to make the most of an unseasoned summer. Their budding connection adds a gentle, comedic undercurrent to the otherwise hectic days, while sibling dynamics at home continue to test Swell’s patience and resourcefulness. The film dances between the high‑energy world of fashion and the unpredictable chaos of a teenage household, blending sharp wit with heartfelt moments. It captures the absurdity and exhilaration of stepping into adulthood, promising a journey where growth is as inevitable as the next laugh‑filled mishap.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:36

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