The Dirties

The story begins with aspiring filmmakers Matt and Owen who are excited to embark on a new project. Their film centers around the harsh realities of bullying and reflects Matt's own painful experiences with it.

Matt and Owen dedicate their film, *The Dirties*, to a range of influential classics such as *Being John Malkovich* and *Pulp Fiction*. This showcases their passion and ambition, as they strive to create something meaningful based on their own experiences.

The duo reaches out to fellow students and faculty to explore the complex dynamics of bullying. Through these interactions, they highlight the often trivialized nature of bullying and the students' desperate need for more serious attention to their plight.

As Matt and Owen cut together their film, they uncover complex relationships among their peers, including Owen's long-standing feelings for Chrissy. These revelations add depth to their narrative, reflecting real-life emotional entanglements.

Matt and Owen show the rough cut of their movie to Mr. Muldoon, their teacher. The response is mixed, as Mr. Muldoon pushes for serious revisions in light of the graphic violence and language depicted, raising concerns about the film's darker undertones.

The final edited film is shown in class, leading to laughter and ridicule from their peers, particularly directed at Owen. This moment highlights the emotional turmoil and embarrassment that accompanies the creative process for the filmmakers.

On their way home, Owen is struck by a rock thrown by classmates, a stark manifestation of the bullying that both him and Matt face. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the harsh realities students endure daily.

In light of their experiences, Matt begins to imagine a sequel titled *The Dirties II*, channeling his frustrations through music to win Chrissy's heart. However, the persistent bullying begins to weigh heavily on both boys.

While at the library, Matt stumbles upon blueprints related to school projects, raising concerns about the integrity of his actions. This discovery hints at deeper issues, reflecting his increasingly erratic behavior within the story.

Amidst their struggles, Owen suffers a brutal assault during lunch, exemplifying the relentless cycle of bullying that seems inescapable. This event underscores the grave implications of the bullying narrative within their lives.

Under the cloak of night, Matt and Owen gather around a bonfire, discussing their experiences with bullying. It is here that Matt reveals his increasing obsession with dark subjects, alarming Owen and hinting at his mental decline.

Matt's growing fixation on topics like the Columbine tragedy becomes apparent, demonstrating a disturbing shift in his mental state. His basement becomes a shrine to these dark obsessions, casting a shadow over his friendship with Owen.

As tensions rise, Owen confronts Matt about his increasingly strange behavior and obsessive thoughts. The conversation reveals fractures in their once-strong friendship, culminating in a heated argument that exposes deep-seated insecurities.

In a moment of despair, Matt burns his notebooks at the bonfire site, symbolizing a desperate attempt to wipe away the past. This act of self-destruction foreshadows the impending chaos that is about to unfold.

In a shocking climax, Matt emerges from his house armed with firearms, driven by an alarming motive. As he moves through the school, he documents his harrowing actions, marking a tragic and irrevocable end to their friendship.