Dirty Beautiful (2015) User Reviews (157)

OK, now let's try a REAL review...?

[A_Different_Drummer · 6/10 · 24 June 2016]

1. This review penned June 2016 at a time when the ONLY reviews on the IMDb were -- "coincidentally" -- from members who -- "mysteriously" -- had all joined at EXACTLY the same time, had all left only one single review for posterity (of this film, DUH) and all thought it was the greatest thing since Godfather or Star Wars or sliced bread. So, in the interest of fair coverage, I wanted to offer a slightly more objective review from a member with more than one review to his credit. That would be me.

2. A newbie to romcoms might be forgiven for thinking that Woody Allen invented the "mismatched couple" trope with Annie Hall, but this is not true. If you go back to the golden age of film (the 1930s and 1940s) you will find a number of these kinds of scripts, mostly B movies, but many with big names like Harlow and Arthur. Allen does get credit perhaps for deconstructing this kind of story (more than once, in fact) and then rebuilding it, taking it to a new level for the modern viewer.

3. Which of course is precisely what writer/Director Bartell had in mind with Dirty Beautiful. Deconstucting the "mismatched couple" story and then rebuilding it, hopefully, into something new and different. Bartell does succeed -- for about 10 minutes. The setup is great. A clearly neurotic young man for whom women are a complete mystery stumbles across a homeless girl (hot, bright, chatty) who basically has only two questions, DO YOU HAVE A GIRLFRIEND and DO YOU WANT ONE? Great concept. If they gave Oscars for a logline, this would get a nomination. But they don't. Good films need more than a clever setup.

4. The film peaks at about the 15:00 minute mark and if you stick it out, you will end up almost as neurotic as the central character. The chemistry between the two principles is not there. The script and direction falter. The first person narrative (talking into the camera, as if to the viewer) gets old real fast. If this film were an elevator, it starts at the top floor and just keeps dropping during the run-length.

7. I think my rating is fair. I think everyone involved -- Bartell and his stars -- are capable of doing better. Woody Allen is not staying up nights worried about losing his niche.

8. If you really really want to see this storyline done to perfection, I recommend MY SASSY GIRL, the original 2001 version, in Korean, with subs. (There are multiple remakes of the original, and you can ignore them all.) It is essentially "as good as it gets" for this theme. And entertaining as hell.

Cute, but I kept feeling like I was watching a student made movie

[tobias-903-902246 · 6/10 · 25 June 2016]

I rated this movie a 6 - for me this is 'out of the b-category'.

The tag line reflected the content of the actual movie and the story was captivating enough for me. But somehow during the whole movie I kept the feeling that I was watching a work made by a student in it's 3rd year of some movie academy, with actors trying to hard, and being not directed hard or competent - or properly enough (yet) - unfortunately. That's also the (perhaps sad) reason why I wanted to write a review about it. It's 'almost' a pretty decent movie. The main female character is quite likable, still working it out about the guy - the main character.

The shots where the main character speaks directly in the camera really bothered me. In general addressing the audience is a tricky thin icy area, when done right of course you'll get away with it. In this movie 'not so much' so to speak. It kept tearing me out of the already fragile bonding with the viewing experience as a whole because of that 'almost'-feeling. Still - the plot made me think about things and the movie and characters moved me. Therefore a heads up, for all the effort. I am sure if in retrospect the edges are be polished, future work of the actors, script writer and director will be quite interesting.

Boy meets girl...at an intersection

[jc-655-869434 · 7/10 · 2 July 2019]

Tim Bartell's 'Dirty Beautiful' is a charming indie film that has the bonus of being edited by Daniel Raim. I wasn't sure about the film's beginning, but then 'Dirty Beautiful' dug its heels in and through a tightening narrative managed to really engage emotionally and convey its sweet heartwarming spirit. There seems to be a yearning in the filmmaker's vision to see through a caring but dysfunctional relationship, and this kind of relatability to real life may provoke some viewers to actually ask themselves, if caught in such a scenario: should I stay or should I go? Watch and find out!

This film is definitely not for anyone

[crainr1 · 3/10 · 28 June 2016]

It's really gender neutral. You could plug any identity type in the characters and it would be the same. The guy is co-dependent and I just want to hit him. Not realistic for a guy at all to be so feminine. And Kat? She's a drunk and a druggie. No respect for herself or anybody else. But I guess that's the new generation. It's not for me. No depth or connection to the characters at all unless you're a feminist I guess. David said it best on the beach, "David will take me back, he's a big comfy vagina." Then he takes her back. That just about sums up the movie. And the end? Like one minute of happiness then it was over. Give me a break. The whole movie for one minute of a happy ending. I gave three stars just for that.

Enjoyable characters put into a unique situation.

[moviemarkwilson-796-706257 · 6 November 2019]

The characters are interesting but a lot of their choices sort of felt unrealistic. It was an interesting setup/storyline but didn't feel like it really paid off in the end. It was very well shot and the performances were enjoyable. Worth a watch for sure!

A badly written film that might be about bad writing but is still bad

[johnpmoseley · 2/10 · 27 February 2022]

There is, arguably, sort of, I guess, a meta gag here: the screenwriter protagonist saddled with a highly unsuitable girlfriend, keeps telling himself, right up to the end, against abundant evidence, that she can change. Characters changing is supposed to be at the heart of good, traditional screenwriting. This failed screenwriter fails to get his girlfriend to change, or to see that she can't. Ha ha.

Unfortunately, even if this is the intended irony, it still feels like a cop out. Yes it would have been a cliché if this alcoholic, climate change denying homeless prostitute who's probably only using the guy for a place to crash somehow magically yet plausibly turned into the love of his life. It would also have been an astounding writerly feat and given this jumbled mess of a thing a sense of purpose, which it otherwise lacks, meta jokes or no meta jokes.

And the fact that the change doesn't happen feels not like the radical deconstruction it could have been but a writerly failure, maybe born of the fact that the set-up isn't just unlikely or about a mismatch, but manifestly, unsalvageably wrong and sad and makes it impossible to have any respect for the protagonist. All this in a film that is an agonisingly unresolved jumble of tones, from unfunny comedy to harsh realism.

And it all hurts all the worse that this screenwriter guy lets us know at the outset, speaking to camera, the fences he was swinging for (all-time great mismatched couple comedies like Harold and Maude, Eternal Sunshine) and then, sort of, maybe, makes this jokey reference to his characters' failure to change and this really means his own failure to write a good story.

Sorry, but there it is.

Lonely Needy Guy Searching For Drama-Laden Insane Trainwreck Relationship

[drivemenutzlong · 6/10 · 6 March 2020]

If you go looking for trouble, you're bound to find it. The movie's an enjoyable watch but you'll need some suspension of disbelief as there's NO way any man should ever be so lonely as to put up with all the drama and mental illness that this woman provides. It's something sick that you can't truly call "love"

We Can Change, Right?

[ben-36333 · 9/10 · 11 August 2019]

This film is excellent! The conundrum that fuels this funny/tragic story is all too familiar to anyone who's been in a toxic relationship (or a few). I so enjoyed how brutally honest Dirty Beautiful is. While the behaviors that fuel the chaos in the film touch on the extreme, the premise is entirely relatable for most of us: it takes two to make a relationship crazy. And I honestly couldn't tell who I sided with more in the relationship. She's an agent of chaos. He's an agent of control. Both cross every line, but they just spiral back inward, toward each other. Like some primal magnet. Again--relatable. The performances are really, really good and so much of the dialogue felt like it must have been pulled from some very real experiences. Both of those things working in harmony brought about a superb energy. I can't recommend it highly enough.

A love story that you probably never heard of

[Viknesh_Silvalingam · 7/10 · 18 August 2019]

This story provides an interesting perspective about what happens when you go against your conscience. Well- rounded characters with very intriguing flaws in them. I always enjoy watching movies about writers as their lives are always like a novel or screenplay.

Humor and Wit!

[ringthebellsproductions · 9/10 · 23 August 2019]

This was such a treat. I love this kind of tales and filmmaking where you can really feel the characters and their struggles but also have a good time. I especially loved the lead actor and the camera work is beautiful! Looking forward to seeing more work by Bartell.

Pleasantly Surprised

[williamnclay · 7/10 · 2 May 2021]

I needed something with a little romance, but ended up getting something... like that? But nonetheless pleasantly surprised by this little gem. Even more so by the leading man's performance because the only other thing I've seen him in was Zach & Miri - so it was a nice opposite for him. Definitely enjoyed the tone and humor within this film, but it won't be for everyone. Nicely paced, and true-to-life for those types of broken people looking for a little solace.

I didn't want to like it but.......I did

[donny_nj-63625 · 7/10 · 17 October 2020]

I was going to stop watching after the first 15 minutes, but I decided to give it 10 minutes more and it was worth it. Not sure about all of the low ratings but it really is worth watching.

Nice Love Story

[andreeaboyer · 9/10 · 1 August 2018]

The life from David does change as soon as he is meeting this crazy, childish, adventurous woman who turns him into a more lovely guy. Together with her he experiences a real roller coaster of emotions and their time together brings lots of ups and downs in their lives as well because she likes David but at the beginning she must clarify her relationship with another man who as soon as she meets David she spontaneously radically drops him off (her first guy) from her life and decides to begin the adventure with the sensitive David who believes her and lets her into his life, now knowing what is about to happen. As soon as he lets her into his home and spends his time with her, he realizes that she is a bit crazy in her own way but she also falls in love with him and it takes time until David expresses his emotions towards her that's why she seems a bit frustrated and so arguments appear but their time together in silence proofs that love is what we feel not what we talk. So they soon understand their connection and begin to truly feel for each other. I definitely like this film. Also the acting performances are realistic and so very good.

Romance with wonderful awkward moments

[BigHarvey · 7/10 · 6 April 2021]

I really enjoyed this film. It has a solid cast with a very push-pull romance with attractive leads and some awkwardly wonderful human moments. Nicely shot and edited. Jordan Monaghan is definitely worth the watch.

Dirty Beautiful Perfect Title

[big007 · 9/10 · 19 October 2019]

Great title cleverly made funny comedy romance. I love guy movies the type of movies we can relate to especially if you have interest in relationships and writing like myself, if you like interesting characters in this movie you'll find some you probably know. The main character David is a hopeless romantic wanting a girlfriend, they say be careful for what you wish for wanting, great dialogue, honest with real life scenarios.

Uncomfortably powerful

[verdenfell1234 · 6/10 · 8 January 2020]

I enjoyed this dark love story. It's very real, I have seen crazy people with baggage fall into relationships together and continue to be together out of some sick desperation. This film gets all of that and in such vivid realistic detail that it's almost uncomfortable to watch. I was exhausted when this concluded - but that's not a bad thing, it's testament to how powerful and deep the Director and cast went with the material and brought it to life. An excellent indie!

... at times mistakes are most enjoyable

[bjarias · 7/10 · 8 August 2016]

Jordan Monaghan is the singular reason why Dirty Beautiful works.. and doesn't work. For there would hardly be any woman as gorgeous as she is that would be homeless for ANY length of time. And she wouldn't have been a street-hooker either... high-end call-girl.. definitely. She plays her role quiet well in this enjoyable little indie movie, but she's miscast in the part. That aside, most viewers are glad she had been chosen, for she is wondrous to behold, and the camera at every angle captures her true beauty. If she would have such a part, she could have as her future a Julia-esque career. She's a name not heard much before.. no longer, and it will be most interesting to see how her future does indeed unfold.

A complicated, engrossing romantic dramedy

[metroran · 9/10 · 17 August 2019]

Get ready for some twists and turns in an unusual love story. The two leads do an excellent job and the writer/director takes us to unexpected and interesting places. Worth the time.

Original Lighthearted Drama

[hoodiesandchucks · 7/10 · 22 November 2020]

Very well written and directed, the movie begins as a rom com and turns pretty dark which gives the film an interesting twist. It's a very LA vibe movie: struggling writer meets troubled girl, the result is a huge mess.

A must see.

[kraine98-89-68831 · 10/10 · 3 August 2019]

If you have ever been in a toxic relationship this movie will hit home. No matter what the haters say about this film, the acting is top notch. Tim Bartell has captured what is to be in a relationship that we all know is bad..but we can't help ourselves. There is that saying "Having is not so pleasing a thing as wanting". Thank you for this indie gem.

Dysfunctional relationships at its best

[txnicole333 · 7/10 · 25 April 2020]

I enjoyed this journey into an unusual love story between two very mis-matched dysfunctional people. There are plenty of toxic relationships you see everyday, and wonder why in the world they stay together, this gives a glimpse into their possible inner world.

Dirty beautiful: A beautiful film with dirty contingencies.

[rankthelion · 7/10 · 14 June 2021]

Dirty: Sometimes the acting falls flat, montages become too often, and sometimes the song selection made it feel mainstream While it tried to keep the indie film feel. For how well this was written I didn't see a need for the talking to camera bits. Information between two characters is well written and when bringing one looking directly at the camera does helps bring about connection but most of them seemed forced. I'm glad that they didn't do it after every major plot point.

Beautiful: On the positive side I really did like this movie. It was a down to earth love story that wasn't froufrou. The leads had great chemistry and characters had depth. They didn't happen to be in situations the whole time they tend to put themselves in that position. Cinematography was great. Lighting brought moods expessially that a lot of it was shot in a one room apartment and the shot selection wasn't getting annoying.

This was an impressive love story. It went above to show us what a true relationship can sometimes look like.

Indie romantic dramedy

[jason-ancona · 9/10 · 20 October 2019]

David, a struggling writer, meets Kat, who has a tragic past and an abusive ex-boyfriend. As they spend time together, David sees Kat's destructive behavior first-hand. And he is in over his head. They must change and grow to try and make it work. Great cinematography and interesting story. Well done.

Mild mannered boy meets wild child girl

[fredwilharm · 7/10 · 20 September 2018]

Two people couldn't be more opposite, and that's what makes this story of a screenwriter wannabe and an un apologetically wild girl work. Great casting and excellent cinematography.

Wild child meets wannabe screenwriter - madness ensues

[alanakmd · 9/10 · 9 October 2019]

Some really stunning, moody shots in this wonderfully twisted love story. Really nailed the soundtrack. Jordan Managhan plays the childish drifter to Ricky Mabe's uptight struggling screenwriter. Love the concept of just deciding to be in a relationship with a random and watching the fallout that follows, and takes a turn towards fall in love. difficult concept done very well!