HAGERSTOWN, Md. — After months of anticipation, the new movie “Clean Hands” debuted at the Maryland Theatre in downtown Hagerstown last week with both an afternoon and evening showing.
Based on the life of Hagerstown’s Kevin Simmers, the movie follows the events that led up to Simmers opening Brooke’s House in 2015. Simmers was a local police officer, often working on drug cases in Hagerstown. At the same time, his daughter, Brooke, was struggling with opioid addiction, leaving Simmers grappling with the conflicting sides of his life.
One day, Kevin Simmers promised his daughter a better sober-living home if she stayed drug-free for one year. Unfortunately, Brooke passed away in April 2015. Simmers went on to open Brooke’s House, a recovery center for women struggling with substance use disorder. Since 2015, Brooke’s House has also opened a coffee shop and thrift store, not only helping fund the sober-living facility but also providing job opportunities to those in recovery.
Hagerstown got a taste of Hollywood throughout the movie’s creation as it was partially filmed in town, using local police officers and landmarks, though other parts of the movie were filmed elsewhere.
With Jake Allyn directing the film, Kevin Simmers was portrayed by Zach Braff, best known for starring in the television series “Scrubs.” Simmers’ wife, Dana, is portrayed by Abigail Spencer, who appeared on “Grey’s Anatomy” and “How I Met Your Mother.” Kevin and Dana’s late daughter, Brooke, is played by Esther McGregor.
A third of each dollar made from “Clean Hands” goes directly to Brooke’s House to support its programs. The facility has helped over 200 women rebuild their lives beyond addiction.
The film is expected to be released in theaters and some streaming platforms on Oct. 16. For more information about the film, visit cleanhandsmovie.org.
