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The Cleaner

Name: The Cleaner
Director: Peter Bebjak
Released: 2015
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

5.4/10

Fair

2015

Director

Peter Bebjak

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Cleaner operates as a traditional neo-noir drama that emphasizes psychological tension over social critique. While the film makes a clear effort to move away from homogeneous casting by featuring a predominantly Black cast, the narrative structure remains largely conventional. Most character dynamics follow established genre clichés. The central conflict revolves around a male protagonist's obsession, limiting the exploration of diverse identities or systemic critiques. The film succeeds in providing meaningful racial visibility but remains tied to masculine-driven plot progressions and traditional character archetypes.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Cleaner have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories that challenge traditional heterosexual relationships. The plot centers on a male protagonist's obsession with a woman, reinforcing a narrow focus on straight relationships.

How does The Cleaner portray gender?

Fair

The story heavily centers on a male protagonist in a male-dominated world. The female lead is potentially portrayed as a 'damsel in distress,' although her role and impact on the story remain unclear.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Cleaner?

Fair

The film features a predominantly Black cast in lead roles within an urban setting. This provides meaningful representation that moves away from homogeneous casting norms.

How does The Cleaner represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative focuses on individual struggles and moral dilemmas without critiquing broader societal structures. It operates within a typical gritty realism framework without challenging Western social norms.

Does The Cleaner include disability representation?

Limited

There is no explicit portrayal of neurodivergence or physical disabilities. The protagonist's voyeuristic behavior risks treating psychological issues as mere plot devices rather than exploring them in depth.

Present on Screen

Meaningful racial representation through a predominantly Black lead cast in an urban setting.
Avoids homogeneous casting norms by centering diverse actors in lead roles.

Limited or Absent

The narrative relies on traditional assumptions about straight relationships and masculine-driven plot progressions.
Female characters risk being relegated to the 'damsel in distress' cliché.
Psychological traits are used as plot devices rather than nuanced explorations of mental health.
Lacks significant challenges to gender hierarchies or queer identities.

Official Synopsis

Just out of prison, Tomáš, a taciturn loner, takes a job cleaning houses where people have recently died. Things take an alarming turn when he begins putting in overtime: hiding behind closet doors after hours to secretly watch the homes’ residents. His voyeuristic ways soon lead to a romantic obsession with a woman in distress—but in order to help her, Tomáš will have to come out of the shadows.

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