There has always been dirty jobs. Discovering that there was a crime-cleaning company was a jaw-dropping surprise. Filmmakers Devon Downs and Kenny Gage present a dark comedy-thriller, Dead Janitor’s Club. This film is based on a memoir by Jeff Klima, who also wrote the film’s screenplay.
Jeff (Felix Merback) works at a sex shop in Southern California. After being humiliated by a bunch of women who want to see his genitals, he quits and gives his position over to Simms (Zaire Jones). Jeff now works for Dirk (Jake Busey), a corrupt cop who started his own business. Dirk’s business is none other than a crime-cleaning company. For him, it is a side hustle. Jeff sees it as a way to make a better living for himself. Dirk puts him through the wringer by handing out flyers to businesses that may need them, like hospitals, mortuaries, and gun stores. It also doesn’t help that he is not frank with Jeff about payment. While going through this crazy job transition, Jeff falls for the tattoo shop owner, Kerry (Brianna Gage). She is a good-hearted woman, and even lets him bunk in her tattoo shop after he gets evicted from his apartment. Jeff befriends Chris (Jake Holley), Kerry’s eccentric apprentice. Kerry distrusts Dirk because of the way he treats Jeff.
Dirk and Jeff tackle outlandish crime scenes, such as a woman who was killed in a wood chipper. Instead of paying Jeff real money, Dirk tells him to steal luxury goods from their clients’ homes. This works for a short time. Eventually, Jeff is told of a big payday; little does he realize that Dirk is leading him on. While cleaning up remains at a fancy home, he discovers a safe filled with cocaine. This discovery puts Jeff’s life on the line and threatens to break his strong relationship with Kerry.
Jeff (Felix Merback) and Kerry (Brianna Gage) share a meal together in Dead Janitor’s Club.
“Jeff now works for Dirk, a corrupt cop who started his own business… a crime cleaning company. ”
Dead Janitor’s Club is an entertaining film due to the performances and bizarre screenplay. Downs and Gage take the time to let us soak in the larger-than-life story with their commanding talent. Jake Polley goes for it in his stoner-like performance as Chris. Even the character actors, like Jeff Blumberg and Craig Ng, leave a mark in their memorable one-off roles. Jake Busey, Felix Merback, and Brianna Gage are wonderful. Busey toes the line of mentor, gray morality, and father-figure in his grizzled performance. Merback and Gage have natural charisma, and they play off each other well in the “meet-cute” scenes. Now, Jeff Klima’s screenplay is clever and does not go for a straightforward approach. His humor leans into surreal visuals, such as cockroaches copulating and making human-like moans. This level of comedy also works for the crime scene scenarios.
Viktoriia Vlasenko’s make-up is eye-popping, especially in terms of gory wounds. This carries over with Symbolic Arts’ practical effects. One unforgettable image is seeing eyeballs sticking out in a pile of blood-soaked leaves. For those who appreciate avant-garde and horror-inspired art, this film excels in strange imagery.
Dead Janitor’s Club is a jam-packed ride of crude comedy and memorable characters. It is a sophisticated piece of low-brow entertainment. Make sure to keep an eye out for a surprise cameo! Don’t forget to bring a mop.
"…One unforgettable image is seeing eyeballs sticking out in a pile of blood soaked leaves."
