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Clean and Sober

Name: Clean and Sober
Director: Glenn Gordon Caron
Released: 1988
Duration: 124 min

Representation Score

5.3/10

Fair

1988

Director

Glenn Gordon Caron

Runtime

124 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Clean and Sober is a character-driven drama that focuses on individual psychological journeys. It prioritizes personal stories over systemic or multi-layered explorations. The narrative leans on traditional social structures and interpersonal dynamics. While the film offers a nuanced look at personal stability and recovery, it does not actively challenge established cultural hierarchies. The storytelling remains centered in a standard Western social context.

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Category Breakdown

Does Clean and Sober have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film focuses on a traditional romantic relationship. Although the protagonist connects with another patient, the story stays within a conventional framework without challenging typical expectations.

How does Clean and Sober portray gender?

Fair

The story examines the emotional labor in domestic partnerships affected by addiction. Female characters often fit the supportive spouse archetype, emphasizing resilience during male instability.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Clean and Sober?

Limited

The film follows a homogeneous casting model. Central arcs are set within a predominantly white, middle-class context with limited diversity.

How does Clean and Sober represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story highlights personal accountability and traditional recovery methods. Social institutions are portrayed positively, without critiquing them as systemic forces.

Does Clean and Sober include disability representation?

Fair

The film delves into the complexities of substance use disorder. Recovery is shown as a significant psychological challenge, but broader social issues related to disability are not addressed.

Present on Screen

Provides a detailed look at the psychological complexities of substance use disorder.
Characters play a significant role as they navigate the lived experience of recovery.
Explores the emotional labor and instability within domestic partnerships caused by addiction.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity, adhering to a predominantly white, middle-class casting model.
Relies on traditional gender roles, particularly the supportive spouse role for women.
Does not challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender or introduce non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities into the narrative.

Official Synopsis

Hotshot real estate salesman Daryl has a bad cocaine habit. After embezzling his company's money, he wakes up next to a girl who overdosed. To hide from the police, he checks into a rehabilitation program guaranteeing anonymity. Under the mentorship of counselor Craig, Daryl accepts that he has a substance abuse problem. As he falls in love with fellow patient Charlie, Daryl begins committing to a newly sober life.

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