Cleaner

Cleaner

Year: 2008

Runtime: 88 min

Director: Renny Harlin

MysteryThrillerCrime

In a world where memories and evidence can be erased, former police officer Tom Cutler works as a "cleaner," meticulously removing traces of crime. Hired to sanitize a mansion after a brutal murder, Cutler’s instincts as an investigator are reawakened. He soon uncovers a web of deceit and corruption, realizing this job is far more dangerous than he initially believed and forcing him to confront a dark conspiracy.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Cleaner 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 & Setting – Cleaner (2008)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Cleaner (2008). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Tom's crime scene cleaning office, Ann Norcut's affluent residence, a hotel room, a morgue, Miguel's home

The film moves between Tom's professional workspace and the upscale homes and scenes where crimes unfold. It also visits a hotel room and a morgue, highlighting the aftereffects of violence. The settings contrast the routine business of cleaning with the dark undercurrents of corruption and deceit.

🏙️ Urban setting 🏠 Affluent residence 🧪 Forensic cleanup 🔎 Crime investigation

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:10

Main Characters – Cleaner (2008)

Meet the key characters of Cleaner (2008), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tom Cutler (Samuel L. Jackson)

A widowed single father and former detective who runs a crime scene cleaning service. He is burdened by a past murder that killed his wife and now navigates a treacherous web of corruption while trying to protect his daughter Rose. He struggles with moral ambiguity and the desire to uncover the truth without unleashing further harm.

🏷️ Protagonist 🧭 Moral ambiguity 🛡️ Protective 🔄 Secretive

Eddie Lorenzo (Ed Harris)

Tom's friend and former partner who becomes entangled in the case through the ledger linking corrupt officers. His motives are complicated by a personal secret, leading to confrontation and tragedy as the pursuit of power and truth collides with loyalty. He is revealed to be Ann's lover and is killed by Rose in the climactic moments.

🤝 Ally 🗝️ Secrets ⚔️ Rivalry

Ann Norcut (Eva Mendes)

A wealthy wife whose husband John goes missing amid suspicions of foul play. She experiences PTSD and becomes a focal point in the investigation, with a hidden romantic connection that complicates the matter and points to deeper deceit.

💎 Wealth 🕵️‍♀️ Mystery 💔 Betrayal

Miguel (Luis Guzmán)

Tom's loyal employee who helps with meals and support and provides a sense of community amid the crisis. He appears as a source of stability and has a home life that is shown in the film.

🤝 Supporting 🏠 Domestic 👨‍👩‍👧 Family

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:10

Major Themes – Cleaner (2008)

Explore the central themes of Cleaner (2008), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Conspiracy

A web of corruption threads through Vaughn's police network, forcing Tom to navigate secrets and cover-ups. The crime scenes become clues that hint at a broader conspiracy rather than isolated incidents. The tension hinges on uncovering truth while protecting loved ones.

🤝 Loyalty

Tom relies on a fragile network of allies, including Eddie, to survive the fallout from his past and Vaughn's influence. Loyalties are tested as old promises clash with new revelations. The film explores what people will do to safeguard family and friends.

💔 Family

Tom is a widowed father trying to shield his daughter Rose from danger. The past murder of his wife haunts him and motivates his actions, while Rose's involvement in the climactic events anchors the story in personal stakes. The movie ties crime, guilt, and protection to family bonds.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 08:10

Unlock the Full Story of Cleaner

Don't stop at just watching — explore Cleaner 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 Cleaner is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Cleaner Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Cleaner, 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.

Cleaner Summary

Cleaner Timeline

Track the full timeline of Cleaner with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Cleaner Timeline

More About Cleaner

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Cleaner: 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 Cleaner

Similar Movies to Cleaner

Discover movies like Cleaner 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.