HorrorCollectors journal
New Release: Dead Janitor’s Club — a darkly funny crime film from Devon Downs & Kenny Gage
Dead Janitor’s Club adapts a true-life source into a noir-tinged crime comedy that leans on escalating poor choices and chaotic consequences. Co-directors Devon Downs and Kenny Gage bring Jeff Klima’s memoir to the screen, following a down-on-his-luck crime scene cleaner who makes one bad decision that spirals violently out of control.
What the film delivers
The story centers on Jeff, portrayed by Felix Merback, a cash-strapped cleaner who removes a mysterious safe from a bloody crime scene. That object belongs to a dangerous drug cartel, and the plot accelerates from a precarious situation into full-blown mayhem. Jake Busey appears as Dirk, a corrupt cop, and Brianna Gage plays Kerry, who becomes entangled in Jeff’s worsening predicament.
- Directors: Devon Downs & Kenny Gage
- Writer: Jeff Klima (story source: Klima’s memoir)
- Principal cast: Felix Merback, Jake Busey, Brianna Gage
- Release timing noted as August 28
According to the review, the film balances dark humor with its criminal throughline, maintaining enough grit to keep the stakes real while allowing for comedic beats. Performances are highlighted as a strong element: Merback anchors the narrative, Busey leans into an unrestrained, crooked-lawman role, and Brianna Gage is noted for grounding the escalating chaos as her character is drawn in.
Overall, the tone is described as messy, violent and entertaining — aimed at viewers who enjoy crime stories with black comedy and a series of worsening decisions. If you’re drawn to darkly comic thrillers adapted from true events, Dead Janitor’s Club positions itself as a ride worth taking when it becomes available.