Watch Clean

"Clean" is a gritty crime drama released in 2021 that offers audiences a deep dive into the world of a solitary sanitation worker with a troubled past. Directed by Paul Solet and co-written by Solet and the film's lead actor, Adrien Brody, the movie intertwines themes of redemption, violence, and the quest for a second chance in life.

Adrien Brody stars as Clean, the eponymous character whose real name remains a mystery for much of the film. Brody's portrayal is that of a man seeking atonement for his past wrongdoings. Clean is a quiet, solemn individual working as a garbage collector in a snowy, rust-belt town. His life is a cycle of routine and solitude, punctuated by his efforts to maintain a low profile and distance from his dark history. Brody's character embodies the essence of a man burdened with the weight of his former life, who is desperate to find a path of righteousness.

Clean's life is far from easy. In his quest for redemption, he must confront the persistent tendrils of his past criminal involvements, which continue to loom over him like shadows. His relentless pursuit leads him to form a paternal bond with Dianda, a bright young girl played by Chandler DuPont. Despite the bleakness of their environment, their relationship becomes a beacon of hope, showing that even in the darkest corners, humanity and connection can flourish.

Glenn Fleshler adds an intense presence to the film as Michael, the film's antagonist. A local crime boss, Michael is a menacing, corrupt individual whose influence is woven deep into the fabric of the town. Fleshler's performance is captivating, as he portrays a character who runs his operations with an iron fist and won't hesitate to display ruthlessness to anyone who gets in his way.

The narrative escalates when Clean's peaceful existence is shattered by a series of violent events that force him to confront the reality that he might never fully escape his past. Clean finds himself trapped in a dangerous web of organized crime, forced to reckon with thugs and criminals who do not take kindly to interference. The film explores the duality of Clean’s character, a man striving for peace but with the capacity for violence born from a past he can't fully extinguish.

Richie Merritt plays Mikey, a young man caught up in the town's criminal underbelly. Merritt's character represents the many youths led astray by the allure of easy money and manufactured prestige in the illegal activities rampant in neglected communities. Clean's interactions with Mikey serve to highlight the complexities of choice and the cycle of poverty and violence that is perpetuated in deprived neighborhoods.

Visually, "Clean" is a testament to the cinematic eye of experienced cinematographer Zoran Popovic. The film captures the gritty aesthetics of a blue-collar environment, awash with the grey hues of winter and the bleak backdrop of an industrial town. The use of color and lighting helps to set the mood for Clean’s internal battle and the external chaos that eventually intrudes upon his life.

The soundtrack of the film is notable for its haunting themes and poignant score that effectively reflects the emotional core of the narrative and Clean's personal struggles. The music complements the intense performances, rooting viewers in the grim reality of the characters' lives while emphasizing the moments of suspense and action.

"Clean" is more than just a straightforward crime drama; it is a character study that deeply examines the possibility of redemption within people who have made bad choices. It challenges the audience to consider the layers that make up an individual, including the parts that others cannot see, and the potential for change even amidst a cycle of violence and corruption. The film also highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and the role that genuine human connections play in the journey towards personal redemption.

The film's pacing is deliberate, ebbing and flowing with the internal rhythms of Clean's life. Action sequences are interspersed with quieter, more reflective moments that give the audience insight into the psyche of a man who has fought hard to bury his demons.

Overall, "Clean" offers viewers an intense narrative about the cost of redemption, underscored by powerful performances, especially by Adrien Brody, who also takes up the mantle of film producer. It's a movie that will resonate with those intrigued by the aspects of human nature that drive us toward both destruction and the search for salvation. With its evocative storytelling and raw portrayal of a man on the edge of two worlds, "Clean" is a compelling watch that leaves a lasting impression.

Clean is a 2021 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 44.