The Cleanse

"The Cleanse" is a dark comedy-drama that stars Johnny Galecki as Paul Berger, a man grappling with personal loss and emotional pain. Seeking a way to restart his life, Paul attends a retreat promising to rid participants of their emotional baggage through a strange ritual involving swallowing mysterious blobs intended to absorb negative energy. As the blobs grow and take on physical forms, Paul and the other attendees begin to confront their inner demons in unexpected and sometimes surreal ways. Blending offbeat humor with heartfelt moments, "The Cleanse" explores themes of grief, healing, and human connection in a quirky, imaginative setting.

"The Cleanse" received mixed to positive reviews from critics, holding a 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating generally favorable responses. Critics praised its originality and the unique blend of comedy and fantasy elements, noting the film's distinctive voice and visual creativity. For instance, The Hollywood Reporter highlighted the movie's "inventive premise and offbeat charm," while some reviewers commended Johnny Galecki's earnest performance as a compelling anchor for the story. On the other hand, the film's pacing and tonal shifts divided opinion, with some critics finding the narrative uneven or the emotional impact diluted over its runtime. Metacritic’s score of 58/100 reflects these mixed sentiments, acknowledging the film's ambition but suggesting it may not connect deeply with all viewers. IMDb users rated it moderately, 5.1/10, indicating a polarized audience reception where some appreciated its quirky storytelling and emotional undercurrents, while others found it less engaging. Overall, "The Cleanse" is recognized as a unique indie film that resonates differently depending on taste, appealing particularly to viewers intrigued by unconventional narratives and dark humor.