The Cleanse

The Cleanse

Year: 2018

Runtime: 81 min

Language: English

Director: Bobby Miller

Echo Score: 75
DramaFantasyHorrorComedy

Seeking redemption from heartbreak and failure, Paul Berger joins a spiritual retreat hoping to find solace. However, his transformative journey takes a dark turn as he discovers the cleanse harbors sinister secrets. Unforeseen supernatural forces are unleashed, threatening his peace of mind and exposing a dangerous reality hidden beneath the retreat’s tranquil facade.

The Cleanse (2018) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the wake of a painful breakup and an unexpected job loss, Paul Berger feels his life slipping into quiet desperation. Seeking a fresh start, he is drawn to “Let’s Get Pure,” a secluded self‑help retreat that promises spiritual renewal and a chance to purge the emptiness that has settled over him. The retreat’s charismatic founder, Ken Roberts, exudes a calm confidence that seems to offer exactly the guidance Paul craves, while the forested setting whispers of hidden possibilities beyond ordinary therapy.

The sanctuary is a carefully curated world of pastel‑toned cabins, communal meals, and a schedule of elaborate “cleanse” rituals meant to strip away negativity. Yet beneath the soothing soundtrack of rustling leaves and the soft glow of candlelight, an unsettling undercurrent lingers—an almost palpable sense that something unseen watches the participants as they confront their inner shadows. The program attracts a eclectic mix of seekers, each carrying their own burdens, and the close‑knit environment forces them to confront not just personal regrets but the collective tension that simmers just out of sight.

Among the newcomers, Maggie Jameson stands out with an intensity that both intrigues and unsettles Paul. Their connection forms quickly, rooted in shared vulnerability and a curiosity about what the retreat truly holds. As the days unfold, the atmosphere balances between soothing meditation and a growing awareness that the promise of purification may carry a darker price. The film teeters between gentle introspection and a creeping dread, inviting viewers to wonder how far the pursuit of inner peace can go before it brushes against forces that defy rational explanation.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 02:38

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Movies about dangerous self-help retreats like The Cleanse

Stories where the promise of self-improvement masks a dark and manipulative truth.If you liked the sinister retreat in The Cleanse, explore these other movies where the promise of healing and transformation is a dangerous scam. These films often blend horror and drama, exposing manipulative gurus and toxic wellness cultures, leading to terrifying revelations and a desperate fight for survival.

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Narrative Summary

This narrative pattern typically begins with a vulnerable protagonist seeking a solution to their pain. They enter an isolated, seemingly idyllic environment run by charismatic but secretive figures. The initial promise of healing gradually gives way to unsettling practices, leading to the discovery of a horrifying secret that turns the 'cure' into a life-threatening ordeal, forcing a climactic escape or confrontation.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared premise of a predatory self-help system. They create a specific brand of tension by exploiting the trust we place in healers and the universal desire for quick fixes, resulting in stories that are psychologically unsettling and often physically terrifying.

Movies that use body horror as metaphor like The Cleanse

Films where grotesque physical transformation externalizes deep psychological pain.For viewers who appreciated how The Cleanse uses body horror to symbolize trauma, this collection features similar films where physical transformation reflects psychological anguish. These stories are emotionally heavy and visually disturbing, exploring themes of purging inner demons through monstrous bodily change.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread follow characters grappling with profound emotional pain. This internal suffering manifest externally through horrific, involuntary bodily changes. The narrative revolves around the character's struggle to understand, control, or destroy this physical manifestation of their trauma, leading to a climax where they must confront the literal monster they have become or created to achieve a painful form of release.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared use of visceral, physical horror to explore complex psychological themes. The connection lies in the fusion of high-intensity body horror with heavy emotional weight, creating a uniquely unsettling and cathartic viewing experience that is both gross-out and deeply melancholic.

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The Cleanse Summary

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The Cleanse Timeline

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Cleanse

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