Clean

2022, Australia, English, Sandra Pankhurst,

Director: Lachlan Mcleod
Release Year: 2022

Synopsis:

Lachlan McLeod's 2022 documentary "Clean" offers a candid, fly-on-the-wall portrayal of trauma cleaning, following the larger-than-life business owner Sandra Pankhurst and her eclectic team of workers at Specialised Trauma Cleaning Services (STC) in Melbourne, Australia. Through the journey of Sandra Pankhurst—a charming transgender woman—the film delves into the often unseen, grim world of cleaning up after death, violence, and disorder. 

 

The documentary takes an intimate look at Sandra's life and her business, shedding light on a profession that most people never think about until they're confronted with its necessity. The documentary opens a window into the difficult, and often gruesome, work of trauma cleaners. Pankhurst and her team are tasked with restoring spaces after violent crimes, suicides, or severe hoarding situations. Throughout the film, viewers follow Sandra as she leads her team through these challenging jobs, while also reflecting on the profound personal history that led her to this line of work. The story of Sandra Pankhurst is one of transformation—of overcoming adversity, coming to terms with her identity, and eventually creating a successful business that would help people in some of their darkest times. The film not only explores the nature of trauma cleaning but also reveals Pankhurst's personal struggles—from a turbulent childhood marked by adoption and rejection to her adult journey of gender transition and self-discovery. At its core, "Clean" is a portrait of a resilient woman who carved out a unique and impactful career, and whose work continues to leave an indelible mark on the lives she touches. 

 

Born in 1953 as Peter Pankhurst, Sandra's early years were marked by hardship and emotional abuse. Adopted by a family that already had children, Sandra was told she was a replacement for a son the family had lost. Her childhood was filled with neglect and trauma, with her adoptive father being both emotionally and physically abusive. The isolation Sandra experienced led her to seek solace in the nuns at a nearby convent, where she found a sense of community. By the age of 17, Sandra was evicted from her family home, and her journey of self-discovery and reinvention began. In her adult life, Sandra went through a series of personal transformations. She married a woman and had two children, but her marriage ended when she realized her true gender identity. Sandra transitioned from male to female and began to live as her true self. Over the years, she worked in various professions, including as a sex worker and a drag queen, before finding her calling as a funeral director—becoming the first female funeral director in Victoria. Sandra's career continued to evolve when she founded "Specialised Trauma Cleaning Services", a company that specializes in cleaning up after tragic events like homicides, suicides, and severe hoarding situations. Throughout the film, Sandra reflects on the challenges of her life—from dealing with her gender identity to navigating the difficult realities of running a trauma cleaning business. Her work is emotionally taxing, but Sandra finds purpose in helping others and restoring some sense of normalcy to those who have experienced extreme loss or tragedy. 

 

"Clean" takes a close look at Sandra's business, Specialised Trauma Cleaning Services (STC), which specializes in cleaning crime scenes, suicide aftermaths, and hoarded homes. The film captures the meticulous and often grueling work of her team as they tackle deeply disturbing environments. These cleaners deal with everything from bloodstains to decomposing bodies, and their jobs require not only technical expertise but also an immense level of emotional resilience. Sandra, as both a business owner and hands-on leader, explains the complexity of the work, which involves not only cleaning but also offering support and understanding to those affected by traumatic events. Throughout the film, Pankhurst’s declining health, which is attributed to long-term exposure to harmful cleaning chemicals, adds a layer of poignancy to her story. As she faces her own mortality, Sandra continues to lead her business and contribute to her community through speaking engagements, sharing her story and experiences with others. Sandra's team at STC is an eclectic group, each with their own backstory. The documentary includes candid interviews with her workers—Brian, Chris, Rod, and Kellie—who are integral to the company's operations. Each of them brings a unique perspective to the job, and their interactions with Sandra demonstrate the deep respect they have for her. The film highlights not just the technicalities of trauma cleaning but the relationships between Sandra and her team, and how they navigate the emotional and physical challenges of their work together. 

 

Lachlan McLeod, the director of "Clean", was initially inspired to make the documentary after seeing Sandra Pankhurst in a television interview about hoarding. McLeod had not yet read "The Trauma Cleaner", the 2017 book by Sarah Krasnostein that chronicles Pankhurst’s life, but he was struck by her story. McLeod spent three years following Sandra and her team, capturing both the professional and personal sides of her life. Over time, he developed a close relationship with Pankhurst, though she initially took some time to trust the film crew. Filming began on a relatively informal basis, capturing key moments of Sandra’s work and life. However, as production progressed, McLeod and his team were able to delve deeper into Pankhurst’s story, with the final months of filming coinciding with her declining health. Sandra passed away in July 2021, just before "Clean" was released. Her death added an emotional weight to the documentary, which had already been a tribute to her life and legacy. Despite her illness, Sandra's determination to continue working and her commitment to her team and community serve as the heart of the film. 

 

Upon its release, "Clean" received widespread acclaim from critics, particularly for its heartfelt portrayal of Sandra Pankhurst's life. The film was praised for its authentic and unflinching depiction of trauma cleaning and the personal journey of a woman who overcame significant challenges. The documentary holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on multiple reviews, with critics lauding the film for its emotional depth and honesty. However, some reviewers criticized the film’s inclusion of dramatic re-enactments of Pankhurst's past. While these scenes were meant to add context to her early life, many critics felt they were unnecessary and detracted from the otherwise compelling narrative. Despite this, the documentary was generally regarded as a moving tribute to Pankhurst, and it won praise for its candid and respectful portrayal of a woman who lived a life filled with extraordinary challenges. Sandra Pankhurst's story is one of reinvention, resilience, and redemption. "Clean" captures the essence of her journey—her ability to find meaning in difficult work and her determination to make a difference in the lives of others. Sandra’s legacy continues to inspire those who knew her and those who see her story unfold on the screen. "Clean" is not just a documentary about a unique profession; it’s a testament to the power of overcoming adversity and the importance of compassion in the face of trauma.

 

via: youtube

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Image credits: YouTube