Clean Hands tells the harrowing true story of Sergeant Kevin Simmers, a narcotics officer fighting the war on drugs in Hagerstown, Maryland. While he leads a task force dedicated to shutting down the heroin pipeline, his home life is unraveling. His 19‑year‑old daughter Brooke struggles with addiction, first to prescription painkillers, then to heroin, forcing Kevin to confront the devastating reality of the very crisis he battles professionally.
The film examines the American drug epidemic through two opposing yet deeply connected perspectives: a father committed to enforcement and a daughter caught in the cycle of addiction. Their story reveals the emotional toll of the opioid crisis and the thin line between justice, compassion, and survival.
Clean Hands
- Director: Jake Allyn
- Starring: Zach Braff, Esther-Rose McGregor, Abigail Spencer, Lucas Till, Abigail Rhyne, Holt McCallany
- Genre: Crime, Drama
Cast
Clean Hands features a compelling ensemble of dramatic talent:
- Zach Braff as Kevin Simmers
- Esther McGregor as Brooke Simmers
- Abigail Spencer as Dana
- Lucas Till as Deputy Dormer
- Holt McCallany as David Trone
- Abigail Rhyne as Mandy
Information on the Film
Written and directed by Jake Allyn, Clean Hands is a biographical crime drama inspired by the real experiences of Kevin Simmers and the origins of Brooke’s House, a recovery home he founded after losing his daughter. The film explores addiction, accountability, and the limits of the traditional “war on drugs” approach, highlighting the need for empathy and treatment over punishment.
The project was produced by Margate House Films, WW/SF Entertainment, Riverside Entertainment, and Glasshouse Pictures, with Vertical acquiring distribution rights following its festival premiere.
Clean Hands debuted at the Tribeca Festival on June 7, 2026, where it was spotlighted for its emotional authenticity and socially resonant themes.
Release Date
Clean Hands will be released in theatres on October 16, 2026, distributed by Vertical.
- Runtime: 108 minutes
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Country: United States
Why It’s Worth Watching
- A deeply human true story about the opioid crisis told through the eyes of both a cop and an addict.
- Standout performances from Zach Braff and Esther McGregor, praised for their emotional intensity.
- A socially urgent narrative that challenges traditional views on addiction, enforcement, and recovery.
- Authentic roots, with the film connected to real recovery advocacy work through Brooke’s House.
