Poolman 2024

Darren Barrenman is a dedicated pool cleaner living in Los Angeles, residing in the aging apartment complex called The Tahitian Tiki, owned by his parental figures Jack and Diane. He is passionate about improving his city and often speaks out about local issues, inspired by figures like Erin Brockovich and constantly pitching ideas to the city council. His unwavering advocacy initially earns him respect, but also the displeasure of counselor Stephen Toronkowski, who views Darren’s activism as a nuisance.

Darren’s romantic life hits a rough patch when his girlfriend, Susan Kerkovich, becomes tired of his relentless pursuit of causes and ultimately quietly ends their relationship. Heartbroken, Darren joins Jack and Diane for another day filming their documentary on city improvements, which ends with him being thrown into jail overnight after a confrontation with Toronkowski. As events unfold, June Del Rey, a mysterious woman with a femme fatale aura, approaches Darren with some crucial information. She reveals that her boss, Toronkowski, is involved in a dangerous real estate and water manipulation scheme which requires Darren’s detective skills to expose. June claims that Toronkowski has a corrupt relationship with property developers, accepts bribes, and engages in shady dealings.

Initially hesitant, Darren refuses June’s allegations but later has a psychiatric session with Diane that prompts him to reconsider. Despite Diane’s distrust of June, Jack supports Darren’s decision to meet her again. Their meeting takes place at an upscale club, where June explains that she has been investigating the extent of Toronkowski’s corruption, which runs deeper than anyone suspects. With the help of his eclectic circle of friends and residents, Darren begins gathering evidence, including photographs of Toronkowski’s misdeeds. During this pursuit, Darren’s suspicion grows when Susan’s presence in a surveillance photo conflicts with her claims of attending Pilates classes. The group later goes out for a meal, where Wayne unexpectedly reveals that he and Susan had slept together. Witnessing their kiss and mutual declaration of love devastates Darren, especially as Diane and Jack react with a mix of understanding and incredulity.

Darren falls into an emotional slump, but June encourages him to pick himself up and continue the investigation. After confiding in her about his heartbreak, June kisses him tenderly before leaving. Determined to find the truth, Darren visits Theodore Hollandaise, a reclusive yet influential figure, where he also briefly encounters William Van Patterson, an almond farmer. Inside Hollandaise’s study, Darren tries to intimidate Hollandaise by displaying incriminating photos, but Hollandaise denies any evidence of wrongdoing.

The investigation intensifies when Darren follows Toronkowski to a performance where he is dressed as Blanche from The Golden Girls, performing a comedic sketch. After a backstage encounter that fosters a moment of understanding, things take a dark turn. Before Darren can hear more about Hollandaise’s purported exposé, the real estate mogul is suddenly shot and killed with a silenced weapon. The killer then frames Darren by dropping the murder weapon into his hands, forcing him to flee.

The story reaches a tense climax when Darren confronts June, who reveals a shocking truth: she is actually the illegitimate daughter of Van Patterson. She then kisses Darren, apologizing for her deception, and leaves him stunned. As Darren explores further, he discovers a painted portrait of June and Van Patterson labeled as the future “Mr. and Mrs.,” hinting at a sinister plan. His investigation culminates in rushing to Van Patterson’s estate, where he intervenes just in time to prevent Van Patterson from killing his wealthy wife. In the chaos, Wayne reappears as an FBI agent, revealing his true identity and arresting Van Patterson and June.

With the scheme dismantled, the contaminated water is restored, and order is eventually reestablished. Darren, having uncovered the truth and played a pivotal role in protecting his community, returns to his simple life as a pool cleaner, content with his contribution to Los Angeles. Throughout this tumultuous adventure, the story highlights themes of corruption, deception, and redemption, culminating in Darren’s reaffirmation of his quiet but vital role in his city’s future.