Clean

Clean

Year: 2005

Runtime: 90 min

Language: French

Director: Olivier Assayas

DramaMusic

Following a tragic overdose that claims the life of her partner, struggling singer Emily Wang finds her world shattered and her future uncertain. After a period of incarceration, she fights to reclaim her life, striving to regain custody of her young son and reignite her passion for music. The journey is fraught with challenges as she confronts the lingering effects of addiction and grapples with deep regret, attempting to rebuild what she has lost.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Clean yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Clean (2005)

Trace every key event in Clean (2005) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Arrival in Hamilton to see Metric

Emily Wang and Lee Hauser arrive in Hamilton, Canada, to attend Metric's performance. A confrontation in their motel room follows, and Emily uses heroin before sleeping in her car. The tension of their relationship sets the stage for the tragedy to come.

Opening sequence Hamilton, Canada
2

Lee's death and police investigation

The next morning, Lee Hauser is found dead from a drug overdose. The Ontario Provincial Police begin an investigation into the death. Emily is arrested when the police find heroin in her bag after she tries to force her way into the motel room.

Next morning Hamilton, Ontario
3

Jail time and custody

Emily spends six months in jail following her arrest. Upon release, custody of Jay is awarded to Lee's parents, separating mother and son. She resolves to return to Paris to rebuild her life.

Six months after arrest Ontario, Canada
4

Brief meeting with Albrecht

Before leaving Canada, Emily briefly meets Albrecht, Lee's father, who tells her he would prefer that she not see Jay for a few years. The conversation underscores the ongoing parental tensions around Jay.

Before departure from Canada Canada
5

Move to Paris and work in a Chinese restaurant

In Paris, Emily begins work in a Chinese restaurant owned by relatives, but she does not enjoy it. She has become addicted to methadone and relies on friends for prescriptions. The move marks a difficult, downward period in her life.

After leaving Canada Paris, France
6

Rosemary and Albrecht travel to London with Jay

Lee's mother Rosemary falls ill, and she and Albrecht travel to London with Jay for medical treatment. During the trip, plans are made to introduce Jay to Emily, though this is complicated by his view of his father's death.

During medical trip to London London
7

Jay's reluctance to meet Emily

Jay has been told by his grandmother that Emily was responsible for his father's death, so he does not want to meet her. This creates emotional distance and tension around Emily's attempts to reconnect with him.

During London trip London, with Jay and grandparents
8

Emily decides to get clean for her son

Emily resolves to get clean in order to spend time with Jay. She stops taking methadone and prepares for Jay's arrival. This marks a turning point as she takes control of her recovery.

Before Jay's arrival Paris
9

Jay meets Emily at the zoo

When Jay finally meets her, she takes him to a zoo and explains her relationship with his father and why they took drugs. The meeting becomes a crucial turning point in their relationship, offering a chance at reconciliation.

Jay's arrival Paris, zoo
10

Emily's singing opportunity from prison

Emily has become a singer, and an opportunity arises from meeting a fellow musician in prison. She must weigh this chance against her desire to stay clean and be a mother to Jay.

After the zoo encounter Unknown/prison meeting
11

Decision about her future

Facing the choices ahead, Emily must decide whether to pursue the singing opportunity, continue her recovery, and rebuild her relationship with Jay, or pursue other paths. The film lingers on this moment of decision as her life story approaches its close.

Towards film's end Paris
12

Resolution and possible reconciliation

In the final arc, Emily's efforts to reconcile with Jay and secure a stable life converge. The film leaves their future deliberately open, underscoring themes of redemption and the costs of addiction.

End Paris

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:57

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Clean

Don't stop at just watching — explore Clean in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Clean is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Clean Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Clean, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Clean Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Clean

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Clean. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Clean

More About Clean

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Clean: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Clean

Similar Movies to Clean

Discover movies like Clean that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.