Clean

Movie Trailer

Release Date
January 28, 2022

Genre
Crime, Drama, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Adrien Brody as Clean
• Glenn Fleshler as Michael
• Richie Merritt as Mikey
• Chandler DuPont as Dianda
• Mykelti Williamson as Travis

Director
Paul Solet

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Grace (2009)
• Dark Summer (2015)
• Bullet Head (2017)

Producer
Adrien Brody, Paul Solet, Elliot Brody, Daniel Sollinger

Writer
Adrien Brody, Paul Solet

Budget
$10 million (estimated)

Production Company
Fable House, Brody Studios, Gozie AGBO

Running Time
94 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence
• Language
• Drug use

Movie Story
Clean is a gritty crime thriller that tells the story of a man known only as Clean, a garbage man with a dark past who is trying to atone for his sins by living a quiet, reformed life in a rundown neighborhood. Haunted by memories of his violent past and the tragic loss of his daughter, Clean spends his days collecting trash and keeping to himself, while at night, he works on restoring broken objects—a symbolic gesture reflecting his desire to fix what is broken in his own life.

Clean’s world is thrown into turmoil when he steps in to protect Dianda, a young girl from his neighborhood, from a dangerous situation involving local gang members. His actions inadvertently draw the attention of Michael, a ruthless crime boss, and Clean is forced to confront the violence he has tried so hard to leave behind.

As the conflict escalates, Clean is pushed to his limits, and he must rely on his skills and brutal instincts to protect Dianda and take down those who threaten their lives. The film explores themes of redemption, guilt, and the consequences of past actions, with Adrien Brody delivering a powerful performance as the tortured anti-hero who is both brutal and vulnerable.

Clean is a story of a man seeking redemption in a world filled with corruption and violence, where the lines between good and evil are often blurred. The film’s atmosphere is dark and tense, with a focus on character development and the internal struggles of its protagonist.

Special Effects
The film uses practical effects to create its gritty, realistic atmosphere, particularly in the intense action sequences. The violence is raw and visceral, reflecting the brutal nature of Clean’s world and the high stakes of his fight for redemption. The cinematography and sound design work together to heighten the tension and draw the audience into Clean’s grim reality.

Box Office Performance
Clean was released in select theaters and on digital platforms, gaining attention primarily through word of mouth and Brody’s strong performance. While it did not achieve widespread commercial success, the film received positive reviews from critics and audiences who appreciated its dark tone and character-driven story.

Filming Locations

• Utica, New York, USA

Notable Quotes

• “I’ve been trying to clean up my whole life. Maybe I’m just a broken man trying to fix something that can’t be fixed.” – Clean
• “Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to get away from your past, it finds a way to catch up with you.” – Travis

Behind-the-Scenes
Adrien Brody not only starred in Clean but also co-wrote, produced, and composed the film’s score, making it a deeply personal project for the actor. The film was shot on location in Utica, New York, adding to its authentic, gritty feel. Director Paul Solet and Brody worked closely together to craft a story that balances intense action with emotional depth, focusing on the themes of redemption and the complexities of human nature.

Awards

• No notable awards.

Final Verdict
Clean is a dark and compelling crime thriller that showcases Adrien Brody’s talents as both an actor and a filmmaker. The film’s gritty atmosphere and intense action are balanced by a character-driven story that explores themes of redemption and the struggle to escape a violent past. While it may not be for everyone due to its grim tone and brutal violence, Clean offers a powerful and thought-provoking experience for fans of the genre.

IMDb Rating
5.6/10