Why cleaning up crime scenes requires a rare mix of grit and empathy

In the wake of a murder, after the police have finished their investigation, who is left to clean up the bloody scene? Indeed, who would want to? Set in Mexico City, this short documentary explores the life of Donovan Tavera, a forensic cleaner who has spent the past 20 years restoring crime scenes in homes to normal – or as close to normal as possible, given the circumstances. Curious about death from a young age and self-taught, Tavera’s empathetic personality and strong stomach make him uniquely suited for what would, for most people, be a most undesirable job. Through desaturated colours, the Mexican filmmaker Louise Monlaü documents Tavera’s work with gritty honesty while respecting the bereaved in a way that mirrors Tavera’s own ethical code. In doing so, Monlaü captures how the true value of Tavera’s work is the relief he provides to families who have lost someone dear.