The Cinematheque

“An endearing portrait of self-realization … [Paul] offers a persuasive testimony to the sense of empowerment that can come from the unlikeliest of places.”

Allan Hunter, Screen International

“Cleaning to save my life” is the opening refrain of Paul’s social media reels. Paul, a 34-year-old content creator from Montreal, is a self-described ​“simp”—a person, typically a man, who provides devoted servitude to another person, often a love interest. Struggling with being overweight and emerging from ten years of depression, Paul openly enjoys submissive experiences based on cleaning. Despite this unconventional lifestyle, Denis Côté’s portrait is never sensational or salacious; with a tender observational style we meet Paul as he really is. He discusses his social anxiety and depression, and a desire for a happier, healthier life, reminding us that the choices that lead to personal fulfillment are unique to everyone. With Paul and his mistresses’ simp/​domme relationship on display, it is difficult not to feel voyeuristic. But Paul, a filmmaker in his own right, is a clear collaborator in Côté’s film, dissolving the boundary between documentary and fiction.

In English and French with English subtitles

Advisory: This film contains BDSM scenarios involving consensual simulations of abuse, sexual situations, and brief nudity, along with discussions of body image and depression. There is brief explicit language.

DGC Special Jury Prize – Canadian Feature Documentary
Hot Docs 2025

Post-screening discussion with Dr. Carolin Klein and Dr. Jason Winters, registered psychologists and co-founders and co-directors of the West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy.

Moderated by Selina Crammond, series programmer.