The Cleanse 2018

As Paul Berger struggles through the desolate patches of his existence, having recently faced the loss of both his job and his fiancée, he stands at a pivotal juncture in life. An unexpected meeting with “Let’s Get Pure,” an enigmatic self-help organization led by the mysterious Ken Roberts, draws him into a selection seminar that promises a fresh start. It is here that Paul first encounters Maggie Jameson, a captivating presence that sparks his interest and sets him on a path of potential renewal. Compelled by the allure of the program and motivated by his developing connection with Maggie, he decides to embrace the experience when he learns they were both chosen for the retreat.

Their adventure unfolds during a picturesque drive to a secluded forest venue, where Paul meets Fredericks, a veteran of the program who has been consuming its bizarre cleanse drinks for several weeks. Joined by new arrivals, Eric and his girlfriend Laurie, the group falls under the watchful eye of Lily. As the program kicks off, each participant is given four uniquely concocted cleanse beverages to be consumed within a 24-hour window.

As the day progresses, Laurie struggles to keep down her fourth drink due to its vile flavor, while Paul experiences an unexpected wave of nausea that culminates in a comical but concerning vomitorium episode during the night. The following morning, a surprising twist ensues when a tiny, seemingly inconsequential creature emerges from the sink’s drain, rapidly evolving into something far more substantial.

Becoming engrossed in the nurturing of this peculiar creature, Paul realizes it symbolizes the negative energy he has purged from within. Meanwhile, Maggie faces her own challenges with her creature, which seems resistant to forming a bond. As Paul delves further into the mysteries surrounding his creature, he begins to notice that a unique connection is forming between them, mirroring their respective personalities.

As tensions mount within the group and connections deepen, Eric’s creature begins to exhibit characteristics of self-destruction. The balance is further tilted when Maggie opens up to Paul, sharing her difficulties with her own creature and encouraging him to embark on a journey of exploration. In a shocking moment, the relationship deepens further when Paul’s creature suddenly bites his finger, altering the course of their retreat.

In a moment of transformation, Eric prepares to down Laurie’s last cleanse drink, setting in motion a cascade of events that will forever shift their group dynamics. When Ken Roberts arrives at the site, he calls upon Paul and Maggie for a private discussion. However, Ken’s admonishment of Eric for not adhering to the process is quickly sidetracked as he plunges Maggie into a session of deep introspection. The discussion concludes with Ken giving Maggie a knife, asserting that she must eliminate her creature to complete her cleansing. Despite the heavy responsibility that this entails, Maggie finds herself paralyzed by the task.

In a fit of rebelliousness, she runs into the woods, compelling Paul to act decisively. Ignoring Ken’s authoritative commands, Paul seizes both Maggie’s and Eric’s creatures and chases after her. This pursuit leads him to a cabin where Eric mourns the lifeless form of Laurie. Horrified, Paul finds Maggie and begs her to escape with him—yet Ken and Lily catch up, adamant that they cannot leave without surrendering their creatures. In a daring act, Paul snatches Ken’s car keys, propelling them onward.

Tragedy strikes when Fredericks becomes a casualty of his own creature’s fury. Meanwhile, as Maggie reconciles the two creatures that have now fused into a grotesque hybrid nestled in the backseat, she feels a bite from the monstrous entity, causing Paul to swerve violently off the road.

When he regains consciousness, Paul sees Maggie attempting to subdue the creature with a rock. He pleads for her to stop but soon realizes that the only path to survival is to eliminate the entity threatening them. With tears streaming down their faces, the two share a poignant moment of unity as they confront the beast, ultimately devising a way to strangle it, marking their embrace as a powerful testament to love and acceptance in the face of adversity.