Emily Kent's Engaging 'Clean Girl' Explores a Chaotic Journey Towards Perfection

      Jenna, the protagonist of Emily Kent’s captivating short film “Clean Girl,” appears to have her life in order: she exercises regularly, maintains a spotless apartment, and indulges in a wealth of self-care media alongside a protein-rich diet. The film's title alludes to the "clean girl" aesthetic, which has gained popularity on TikTok, celebrating a minimalist and seemingly effortless lifestyle.

      However, in the film, which is being screened today at the Poppy Jasper Film Festival, Jenna's tranquility is frequently disrupted by external factors. She is coping with a recent breakup, faces bothersome neighbors, and the TikToks she relies on for tranquility instead heighten her anxiety.

      Kent drew inspiration from a stressful chapter in her own life as she wrote and directed the film, with Selene Winter Rose portraying Jenna in a compelling combination of vulnerability and composure. Although Jenna's inner thoughts remain private, the film utilizes on-screen text to illuminate her worries.

      Kent has recently completed her MFA in Cinema at San Francisco State University, located about an hour north of the charming towns that host Poppy Jasper — namely Morgan Hill, San Martin, Gilroy, Hollister, and San Juan Bautista. The festival, now in its 20th edition, takes place in a region of California where the vineyards meet Silicon Valley. “Clean Girl” is a particularly inspired selection for this well-curated festival.

      We spoke with Kent about her reliance on real-life experiences, her tendency to suppress emotions, and her admiration for Edgar Allan Poe.

      Emily Kent on Creating Her Short Film ‘Clean Girl’

      “Clean Girl” writer-director Emily Kent. Photo by Michael-Vincent D’Anella-Mercanti.

      MovieMaker: You mentioned on the “Clean Girl” Kickstarter page that it stems from a period in your life when you were handling a breakup while working at a startup. Unlike your character, you were also in the midst of making a film. You wrote, “It was an inconvenient time for feelings, so I embraced my natural inclination to censor them.” This sentiment seems very relatable in today’s world, where it’s easy to distract oneself with videos or podcasts, or to be perpetually busy. How did you come to this story as a means to express that feeling?

      Emily Kent: I began writing “Clean Girl” as a short story exercise for a production class focused on sound design. I aimed to illustrate how effortless yet unsettling it can be to spend an entire day disconnected from one’s surroundings. The concept of someone wearing noise-canceling earbuds all day, which is quite common in a city like San Francisco, was my starting point.

      I experience this too; sometimes you have to, as it can get loud. While writing, this concept evolved symbolically, showcasing the lengths to which we go to evade our emotions.

      MovieMaker: The film features a clever twist and builds a sense of foreboding stemming from our shared experiences of seeking mental well-being, which can often feel chaotic due to the consumption of various media that might be counterproductive. Without revealing the twist, when did you determine what it would be?

      Emily Kent: I knew from the beginning! There’s a particular Edgar Allan Poe story (no spoilers!) that inspired me to create the film, and I genuinely believe there’s something quite macabre about the clean girls I observed on TikTok at the time. Edgar Allan Poe would have appreciated clean girls. There’s a chilling avoidance associated with that beige lifestyle centered around heightened productivity that intrigued me, driving my desire to explore it further, so to speak…

      The cast and crew of “Clean Girl,” written and directed by Emily Kent. Courtesy of the filmmaker.

      MovieMaker: What filmmakers (or other artists) do you admire and draw inspiration from?

      Emily Kent: I’m a huge fan of Altman and took significant inspiration from his film 3 Women. His works capture the zeitgeist without falling into cliché, and Shelley Duvall’s character, Millie, really personifies the trends of the time for women in a rather unsettling manner. I perceive clean girls in the same light.

      Chantal Akerman’s Jeanne Dielman also influenced me. I aimed for longer takes in my film, and while I'm not certain how effective they are in a 14-minute short, Akerman’s portrayal of Jeanne Dielman’s character and the gradual unraveling of her daily routines inspired me.

      MovieMaker: How did you find your outstanding lead?

      Emily Kent: My friend Teresa Fabbricino, who produced the film, assisted with auditions and suggested one of her college friends would be the ideal Jenna. That was Selene Winter Rose! Selene submitted a self-tape that perfectly captured the essence of the role, and it was evident during our conversation that she had a deep empathy for Jenna, so I knew she was the right choice! Although Selene and I had minimal rehearsal time together, she immediately understood what was required from day one