In the upcoming drama Clean Hands, audiences will witness the harrowing true story of Brooke Simmers and her father Kevin's fight against her addiction. The film, directed by Jake Allyn, stars Esther McGregor as Brooke and Zach Braff as Kevin, with Abigail Spencer, Holt McCallany, and Lucas Till rounding out the cast. Ahead of its release this week, we've got an exclusive sneak peek that captures a fleeting moment of normalcy before everything changes.
The clip shows Kevin, Brooke, and Dana (Spencer) enjoying a casual game of basketball. It's a lighthearted family scene, with Brooke confidently sinking a shot and winning $50 from her dad. But when Kevin asks her to stick around for the rest of the game, she politely declines, hopping on her bike and riding off. As she pedals away, Brooke's voice-over reveals the emptiness she feels inside: "I feel a hole in me; I'm not really sure why. Sometimes I feel like when the wind blows, it just blows right through me. And I don't want to feel like that anymore."
That poignant moment sets the stage for the film's deeper exploration of addiction and redemption. Based on true events, Clean Hands follows Kevin Simmers, a sergeant leading a drug task force in Hagerstown, Maryland—a town that sits on the infamous "Heroin Highway." At home, he's a desperate father watching his 19-year-old daughter spiral from prescription painkillers to heroin. As Kevin confronts the failures of the system, he dedicates his life to creating a better path for Brooke and others like her.
The film is deeply connected to the real-life Brooke's House, a non-profit recovery home for women that Kevin founded in his daughter's honor. The production partnered with the organization, even creating an on-set work program that gave women in recovery hands-on experience in the film industry. And to further the mission, a third of the film's profits will go directly to Brooke's House, helping to save lives and offer hope to those struggling with addiction.
For fans of Zach Braff, this role is a departure from his comedic roots, showcasing his dramatic range. If you're curious to see more of his work, you might want to check out our sneak peek at his return in Scrubs, where he faces a new challenge. But in Clean Hands, Braff delivers a powerful performance that anchors this emotional true story.
The film also stars Abigail Spencer, known for her roles in Rectify and Timeless, and Holt McCallany, who recently impressed in Fight Club and Mindhunter. Their performances add depth to a story that's both heartbreaking and inspiring.
As the release date approaches, the buzz around Clean Hands continues to grow. It's a film that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of addiction, but it also offers a message of hope and the power of family. If you're looking for a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll, this is one to watch.
Don't miss Clean Hands when it hits select theaters and VOD on October 16. And for more exclusive content, be sure to check out our other sneak peeks and previews of upcoming releases.
