Cleaner Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Sam Jackson cleans up a murder scene, but oops, it was a crime scene, and now he’s gotta clean up his act!

🍿 Cleaner: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Tom Cutler

Tom Cutler (Samuel L. Jackson), a former police officer, now works as a crime scene cleaner. He’s a widower raising his teenage daughter, Rose (Keke Palmer). Cutler takes pride in his meticulous work, ensuring crime scenes are thoroughly cleaned after investigations.

The Mysterious Cleaning Job

Cutler receives a call to clean a bloody scene at a mansion in a wealthy neighborhood. Finding a key hidden as instructed, he enters and meticulously cleans the scene. However, the next day, he discovers the homeowner, Ann Norcut (Eva Mendes), is unaware of the cleaning and reports her husband missing.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

Cutler realizes he may have unknowingly destroyed crucial evidence in a potential murder. He confides in his former partner and friend, Detective Eddie Lorenzo (Ed Harris), and they begin to investigate. Their investigation uncovers a web of police corruption, putting Cutler in danger.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tom Cutler (Samuel L. Jackson): A former cop turned crime scene cleaner finds himself caught in a web of police corruption after unknowingly cleaning up a murder scene.
• Eddie Lorenzo (Ed Harris): Tom’s former partner and friend, a current police detective who is deeply involved in the corrupt activities.
• Ann Norcut (Eva Mendes): The attractive widow of the murdered man, who seems to be hiding some secrets of her own.
• Det. Jim Vargas (Luis Guzmán): A skeptical and determined detective investigating the missing person and the circumstances surrounding Tom.
• Rose Cutler (Keke Palmer): Tom’s teenage daughter who is troubled by her father’s past and the circumstances of her mother’s death.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tom Cutler: “I used to be a cop. Now I clean up after them.” – Tom explains his career transition, highlighting his past and present roles in the criminal justice system.
• Eddie Lorenzo: “You’re gonna get yourself killed, man.” – Eddie warns Tom about the dangers of investigating the crime scene clean-up cover-up.
• Eddie Lorenzo: “Who’s gonna clean you up Tom?” – In the last line of the film, Lorenzo taunts Tom and insinuates his powerful position.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $533,630
• Worldwide Gross: $5,796,630

💥 Cleaner Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Cleaner’ to be a solid, if not groundbreaking, thriller. Jackson’s portrayal of a man caught between his past and present was compelling. I was particularly drawn to the scenes showcasing the meticulous process of crime scene cleaning, it was very engaging. However, the plot twists felt a bit predictable, and the ending lacked the punch I was hoping for. Overall, it’s a worthwhile watch for fans of crime dramas, but don’t expect anything revolutionary.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Samuel L. Jackson”
  • “Viewers interested in crime thrillers with a focus on police corruption”
  • “Those who enjoy movies with twists and turns, even if predictable”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Gore (crime scene cleanup)”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “Cleaner boasts strong performances from Jackson and Harris but ultimately falls short due to a predictable plot. Harlin’s direction is competent, but the script lacks originality, making it a decent but forgettable thriller.
• FilmFestival.com: “This is a slickly and stylishly shot film, nice to look at for the most part, many beautiful yet stark urban locations. If that’s what you’re into, you’ll like it.
• rogerebert.com: “Samuel L. Jackson and Ed Harris create a film that is a worth a watch due to there exceptional chemistry. It is good at sucking you into the story, and I enjoyed watching Jackson clean and talk about cleaning.

Audience Reactions

Samuel L. Jackson’s performance elevates a familiar story.: Viewers generally agree that the acting is a strong point, particularly Jackson and Harris, but the storyline is predictable.

The premise of a crime scene cleaner getting caught up in a cover-up is intriguing.: Many found the concept promising but felt that the execution fell short of its potential, lacking tension and suspense.

Overall Consensus: While ‘Cleaner’ offers decent performances and a compelling premise, its predictable plot and lack of originality make it a somewhat forgettable thriller.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Renny Harlin directs, having previously worked with Samuel L. Jackson on ‘The Long Kiss Goodnight’ and ‘Deep Blue Sea’.”
• “The film explores the unusual profession of crime scene cleaning, rarely depicted in mainstream cinema.”
• “Matthew Aldrich’s script offers a twist on the classic police corruption narrative.”

🖥️ How to Watch Cleaner?

As of October 26, 2023, “Cleaner” is available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability as it may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Cleaner, you might like these similar films:

• Lakeview Terrace (2008): Deals with themes of corruption and someone being set up for a crime they didn’t commit.
• Street Kings (2008): Features police corruption and a cop trying to uncover the truth, similar to Tom’s investigation.
• Training Day (2001): Explores the moral ambiguities within law enforcement, showing the dark side of police work.

🛒 Cleaner Related Products

• Cleaner (Blu-ray): Own the film that combines crime, suspense, and an all-star cast. Experience the gritty world of crime scene cleaning in high definition.
• The Shield: The Complete Series: If you like cop thrillers with a morally ambiguous edge, The Shield is a must-watch. Experience the high-stakes world of law enforcement where the line between right and wrong is constantly blurred. It contains excellent acting and intriguing plotlines.
• Dexter: The Complete Series: Follow Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter analyst with a double life as a vigilante serial killer. This suspenseful and critically acclaimed series explores themes of justice and morality in a thrilling narrative.
• Crime Scene Cleaning for Dummies: This book gives you all the tips and tricks for how to clean up those tough to handle crime scenes, just like Tom Cutler himself!.

🎧 Soundtrack

Cleaner features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Beseme” – performed by Mistico (vocal by Edwin Perez)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

She’s a cleaner… #shorts #movie #fyp

Ever wondered what a cleaner’s job REALLY entails? This short clip from ‘Cleaner’ will give you a sneak peek, and I gotta say, it’s way more intense than I expected!

✨ Rate