Logo What's After the Movie

The Cleaners 2018

A team of anonymous "digital cleaners" work tirelessly behind the scenes, removing disturbing and controversial content from the internet. This fascinating documentary explores the crucial, often unseen, work they do, sanitizing online spaces and attempting to balance freedom of expression with the need for social responsibility. The film offers a revealing look at the forces shaping our digital world and the individuals tasked with maintaining some semblance of order within it.

A team of anonymous "digital cleaners" work tirelessly behind the scenes, removing disturbing and controversial content from the internet. This fascinating documentary explores the crucial, often unseen, work they do, sanitizing online spaces and attempting to balance freedom of expression with the need for social responsibility. The film offers a revealing look at the forces shaping our digital world and the individuals tasked with maintaining some semblance of order within it.

Does The Cleaners have end credit scenes?

No!

The Cleaners does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Ratings and Reviews for The Cleaners

See how The Cleaners is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Cleaners stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

65

The Cleaners offers an insightful look at corporate decisions shaping online content, but uneven thematic focus limits its impact. Reviews highlight its compelling access and urgent questions around censorship, while noting the documentary sometimes scans topics without fully integrating them. Its brisk 88-minute runtime delivers noteworthy moments but leaves some threads underdeveloped. The result is a thought-provoking yet uneven exploration of digital moderation that resonates but lacks complete cohesion.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Cleaners

75
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of craftsmanship, the film exhibits strong directorial clarity and cohesive editing that guide viewers through dense subject matter. Its production design and cinematography convey an understated aesthetic that supports the thematic urgency without overwhelming. However, the brisk pacing sometimes sacrifices deeper visual elaboration. Overall, its artful construction underscores key ideas while retaining accessibility.

55
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to emotional resonance, the documentary relies on firsthand accounts but provides limited background on the individuals involved. This lack of character depth reduces viewer intimacy and makes it difficult to form strong connections. While moments of personal insight surface, the uneven focus on interviewees prevents sustained engagement. Overall, the emotional impact remains moderate.

60
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of narrative structure, the film presents a chronological exploration of content moderation but occasionally jumps between topics without clear transitions. This uneven pacing undermines coherence, as some thematic threads receive only cursory attention. Nevertheless, its original premise and engaging anecdotes provide valuable insights. The overall storytelling is informative yet fragmented, offering both depth and disjointed segments.

70
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

Regarding sensory elements, the documentary employs a stark visual style and impactful imagery that provoke a sense of urgency. Its sound design emphasizes interview excerpts and ambient noise to reinforce thematic tension. The understated musical cues avoid distraction but also limit emotional buildup. Overall, the sensory experience is effective in conveying the film’s urgent tone while remaining restrained.

50
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

In terms of replay value, the film’s topical relevance encourages repeat viewings for viewers interested in digital ethics. However, its rapid pacing and informational density can become overwhelming on subsequent viewings. The uneven integration of themes may diminish its lasting appeal. Overall, it holds moderate rewatch potential for engaged audiences.

Metacritic

70

Metascore

5.8

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

93%

TOMATOMETER

review

76%

User Score

IMDb

7.1 /10

IMDb Rating

Letterboxd

3.5

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


big datasocietycurrent affairspoliticstechnologydigitalsocial mediainternet censorshipcorporate censorshipreference to facebookreference to googlecensorshipreference to the internetfacebookcensoring the internetposted on the internetreference to mark zuckerbergcensorsocial media accountsocial media postinginternet censorsocial media campaignsocial media trollerbanned from social mediainternet platformuser generated contentcommunity guidelinescontent moderatoronline contentmonitoringjob trainingsocial media moderatorgooglereference to child pornographyoutsourcingphilippinestwittermachine learningmanila philippinesreference to donald trumpalgorithmlearning algorithmreference to terrorismreference to homeland securityinternet groomingradicalizationreference to a beheadingyoutubefreedom of expressionactivism

Similar Movies You Should Know About

Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.


© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.