Clean and Sober
Clean and Sober

Clean and Sober

1988Movie124 minEnglish

Hotshot real estate salesman Daryl has a bad cocaine habit. After embezzling his company's money, he wakes up next to a girl who overdosed. To hide from the police, he checks into a rehabilitation program guaranteeing anonymity. Under the mentorship of counselor Craig, Daryl accepts that he has a substance abuse problem. As he falls in love with fellow patient Charlie, Daryl begins committing to a newly sober life.

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Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes83%
Google Users85%
Director: John D. HancockGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A charming but self-destructive car salesman addicted to alcohol and cocaine loses all his money and lies his way into a rehabilitation center. There, he must confront his addiction and the damage it has caused his life and relationships. With the help of a recovering addict and a tough-love counselor, he begins the arduous journey of sobriety. The film explores the personal struggles and triumphs involved in overcoming addiction.

Critical Reception

Clean and Sober was generally well-received by critics, with particular praise directed at Michael Keaton's powerful and nuanced performance. The film was commended for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of addiction and recovery, avoiding sensationalism. Audiences also connected with the raw emotional honesty of the story.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unflinching and realistic depiction of addiction.
  • Michael Keaton delivers a career-defining performance.
  • Offers a hopeful yet grounded perspective on recovery.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's honest portrayal of addiction and the challenging path to recovery. Many found Michael Keaton's performance particularly moving and relatable, highlighting the film's emotional impact and inspirational message.

Awards & Accolades

Michael Keaton received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama.

Fun Fact

Michael Keaton reportedly drew upon his own experiences with substance abuse to prepare for his role as the protagonist.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
Peter McGinn

Peter McGinn

Michael Keaton puts in a great dramatic performance in this movie, at a time when his star was definitely rising. This movie was released the same year as Beetlejuice, and the year before Batman. Kathy Bates also excels as Charlie. Keato...
Dave

Dave

Michael Keaton tries his hand in a dramatic portrayal of an alcoholic, drug addicted stock broker who finds refuge in a treatment program - but not for it's intended purpose. He slowly begins to realize that be may be there for a reason, b...