The Chumscrubber

The tragic news of Troy Johnson's untimely death spreads throughout Hillside, California. His passing leaves a profound impact on many, yet Dean Stiffle, his best friend, finds himself emotionally detached from the loss.

In an effort to cope with his emotions, Dean's father, Bill, a psychiatrist, prescribes him antidepressants. Instead of helping him process his grief, the medication deepens Dean's feelings of disconnection and despair.

While navigating Hillside High School, Dean encounters aggressive drug dealers named Billy and Lee, who have exploited Troy's pharmaceutical skills. Their presence further complicates Dean's struggle with his feelings of loss.

A flirtatious classmate named Crystal takes an interest in Dean, but her motives are deceptive. She pressures him to recover drugs hidden in Troy's home, taking advantage of Dean's vulnerability.

When Dean rebels against Crystal's demands, Billy and Lee hatch a plan to kidnap his younger brother, Charlie. This drastic move aims to coerce Dean into compliance regarding the drugs.

In a twist of fate, the would-be kidnappers mistakenly abduct another boy, Charlie Bratley. Meanwhile, the real Charlie Stiffle remains oblivious to the unfolding chaos involving his brother.

Facing immense pressure, Dean reluctantly agrees to search for the drugs at Troy's abandoned home. To his dismay, he discovers that Billy has been misled into thinking he found the pills he was seeking.

Ultimately, Dean gets arrested amidst the chaos, prompting a confrontation with Officer Lou Bratley, who is also Charlie's father. This moment further intensifies the misunderstandings surrounding the kidnapping.

Amidst the turmoil, Charlie Stiffle cleverly swaps the drugs with a bag of vitamins, unbeknownst to the adults. This surprising act confuses Billy and Lee, intensifying the tension in the story.

In a poignant moment, Charlie crushes the pharmaceuticals he swapped and mixes them into a casserole prepared for Troy’s memorial. This act serves as a subtle tribute, showcasing the emotional turmoil of the characters.

Troy's memorial service coincides with the wedding of Mayor Michael Ebbs and Terri Bratley, Charlie's mother. This intertwining of events emphasizes the shared grief within the community as they gather to honor Troy.

During the memorial, Officer Lou Bratley comes to terms with the seriousness of his son’s kidnapping. This realization sparks an urgent search for Charlie, adding to the unfolding drama.

Tension escalates when Lee attempts to assassinate Charlie Bratley, who surprisingly fights back. This unexpected resistance showcases Charlie's resilience and fortitude in the face of danger.

Amid the ensuing chaos, Billy inadvertently injures himself by colliding with Officer Lou Bratley's police vehicle. This dramatic turn of events marks a significant downfall for Billy as he faces the consequences of his actions.

As the film concludes, Dean reflects on his connection with Crystal, hinting at a newfound comfort and intimacy. Their kiss symbolizes hope and the prospect of moving forward after the tumultuous events.