Writer-director duo Amber Gadd and Evie Ward-Drummond transform the monotonous everyday of a local laundrette into fun, whimsical, and pastel-coloured escapism in their narrative short and debut film, Laundreams. The film is part of the line-up for the 22nd HollyShorts Film Festival 2026 held in Hollywood, California.
Laundreams is a showcase of the beautiful close friendship between its twenty-somethings two leads in the writer-director duo, Leah (Amber Gadd) and Minnie (Evie Ward-Drummond). Working in a laundrette in Sheffield, they want and are very much in need of some fun among the humdrum of their everyday. Particularly for characters who have never stepped outside of their hometown. With local customer, Peter (David Fielder) and the dull sound of the dryers rolling around, they’ve decided they need to make time for fun.
But when their love interest and ex-employee, Danny (Paapa Essiedu) rocks up – the fancy, fashionable, stylish guy they term ‘Mr. London’ they decide to ‘accidentally’ throw a party. What ensues is the laundrette transforms into its nightlife as it comes alive like it’s a whole new character. The naturalistic acting of the cast gives a sense of realism and believability that this really could be a real laundrette with characters who vividly dream of a more upbeat life. Shot on-location in Ward-Drummond’s family-run business draws a sense of authenticity.
Whimsical Escapism & Nostalgic Longing
There’s a stunning montage sequence as the characters swirl in a pretty haze trying on different outfits from the laundry’s dry cleaning. The clever choice in music hears an ‘Old Hollywood’ style instrumental playing in the background. As the audience, we feel like we want to play their game of dress-up too not just on the sidelines watching along. This scene feels like a nostalgic longing to be transported back to the carefree nature of childhood. Where worries were certainly less and fun was more.
Cleverly Gadd and Ward-Drummond present their characters with both a mixture of childish wonder and adult fun. It feels like the characters are making the best with what they have in this small laundrette. Their close friendship is more like a family bond and it’s nice to see they have each other’s backs.
Together they transform the laundrette with decorations, lights, and music. But the real beauty is in their constant matching upbeat energy. How they transform the environment around them is one amazing aspect but it’s their high-energy attitude and real friendship which truly shines through the screen.
Laundreams: It’s About Being There For Each Other
When Mr. London disappoints them, they remember that their party is for them not to impress a guy. They allow themselves to let go and enjoy this freedom when they change their reasoning. It’s no longer to impress but to have fun. But this serves as a reminder that life is about living… just a little more. Whilst Peter has their best interests at heart, he too imagines a party with everyone he wishes to invite. Together they host a party no one could ever forget or want to miss.
Laundreams shows the underrated importance in relying on people you know best. But it’s about being there for each other through the best and worst of times and not giving up. The characters are partying in a whimsical state between the ‘laundrette’ and their ‘dreams.’ It’s all party, good fun, and bubbles here as they longingly imagine days in a better world.
Rating: 4 stars
Laundreams is part of Filmotomy’s coverage on HollyShorts Film Festival 2026.
You can read more reviews, including The End of Oak Street (2026) here.
