✅ “Cleaner (2025)” is a high-octane action thriller that brings the classic “Die Hard in a building” premise into the modern age with a compelling lead performance from Daisy Ridley. Directed by Martin Campbell, known for his work on iconic action films like “Casino Royale” and “GoldenEye,” this movie plunges audiences into a tense hostage situation in a London skyscraper. Released on February 21, 2025, it delivers a gripping narrative about a former soldier turned window cleaner who finds herself as the last line of defense against radical extremists. With its blend of intricate plotting, suspenseful action, and a strong central character, “Cleaner” offers a thrilling cinematic experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

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6.502/10

Cleaner

Director: Martin Campbell

Writers: Matthew Orton, Simon Uttley, Paul Andrew Williams

Stars: Daisy Ridley, Clive Owen, Taz Skylar

Country: United Kingdom

Genres: Action, Thriller

Languages: English

Overview: When a group of radical activists take over an energy company's annual gala, seizing 300 hostages, an ex-soldier turned window cleaner suspended 50 storeys up on the outside of the building must save those trapped inside, including her older brother.

TMDb: View on TMDb

Cleaner (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: Cleaner (2025)
• Language: English
• Budget: Not Publicly Disclosed (Estimated to be moderate for an action thriller)
• Revenue: $1.3 Million (Worldwide)
• Runtime: 97 Minutes (1 Hour 37 Minutes)
• Release Date: February 21, 2025 (USA)
• Genres: Action, Thriller, Drama
• Cast: Daisy Ridley, Taz Skylar, Clive Owen, Ruth Gemmell, Matthew Tuck, Rufus Jones, Lee Boardman
• Directors: Martin Campbell
• Screenplay: Simon Uttley, Paul Andrew Williams, Matthew Orton
• Studios & Producers: Anton (Producers: Sébastien Raybaud, Callum Grant, Michael Kuhn, Gavin Glendinning, Thomas Fanning, Chris Arthur, Cindy Cowan, Mikayla Soo-ni Campbell)
• Voice Cast: Not Applicable
• Animation & Style: Not Applicable

OFFICIAL IMAGES

Plot Summary

“Cleaner (2025)” is set in the bustling, vertiginous landscape of London, where an annual gala for a powerful energy company, Agnian Energy, becomes the target of a radical environmental activist group known as Earth Revolution. Their objective is to expose the rampant corruption and ecological destruction perpetuated by the corporation, taking 300 hostages in a high-rise building as leverage. However, their well-intentioned cause takes a sinister turn when an extremist within their ranks, Noah Santos/Lucas Vander (Taz Skylar), hijacks the operation. Noah, driven by an anarchic and nihilistic agenda, is prepared to murder everyone in the building to send a chilling message to the world.

Amidst this chaos is Joanna “Joey” Locke (Daisy Ridley), a former soldier with a troubled past, now working as a window cleaner on the very skyscraper where the crisis unfolds. She finds herself perilously suspended outside the building, witnessing the horror unfold, and her younger brother, Michael (Matthew Tuck), who is autistic and has a crucial role in exposing the true villains, is among the trapped hostages. With police forces surrounding the building but unable to intervene effectively, it falls to Joey, using her specialized military training and unique position, to navigate the deadly high-rise. She must outwit the terrorists, evade detection, and find a way to save the hostages, especially her brother, from the ruthless extremist determined to unleash mass murder. The film becomes a desperate race against time, high above the city, as Joey fights not only for survival but for justice and the lives of the innocent.

Cast & Crew

The cast of “Cleaner (2025)” delivers solid performances that anchor this high-stakes thriller. Daisy Ridley takes on the lead role of Joanna “Joey” Locke, a former soldier turned window cleaner, bringing a compelling blend of vulnerability and steely determination to her character. Ridley effectively portrays Joey’s physical prowess in action sequences while also conveying her emotional struggles and her fierce dedication to her younger brother. Taz Skylar delivers a memorable performance as Noah Santos/Lucas Vander, the extremist who hijacks the hostage situation. Skylar embodies the character’s chilling fanaticism, making him a formidable and unpredictable antagonist. Clive Owen plays Marcus Blake, the initial leader of the activist group, adding a layer of complexity to the film’s moral landscape. The supporting cast, including Ruth Gemmell as the discerning DS Hume and Matthew Tuck as Joey’s autistic brother Michael, provide strong backing, contributing to the film’s emotional depth and narrative tension. Director Martin Campbell, known for his work on successful action thrillers, expertly guides his ensemble, extracting intense and believable performances that drive the film’s suspenseful plot.

Critical & Audience Response

“Cleaner (2025)” received a mixed to positive reception from critics upon its release. Many reviewers praised director Martin Campbell’s seasoned hand in the action genre, noting his ability to craft clear, effective fight scenes and maintain a high level of suspense. Daisy Ridley’s performance as the lead protagonist was frequently highlighted as a major strength, with critics commending her commitment to the physical demands of the role and her compelling presence on screen. The film was often described as a “Die Hard” knockoff with enough fresh elements to make it a watchable and entertaining thriller, especially for those looking for a solid action fix.

However, some criticisms included the film’s slow pacing in the first act, with some reviewers feeling that it took too long for the action to truly kick in, sidelining Joey for an extended period. The villains, while effectively portrayed by Taz Skylar and Clive Owen, were occasionally noted as being somewhat generic or “stock characters” in line with traditional action thrillers. Despite these points, audiences largely responded positively to the film, appreciating its thrilling premise, intense moments, and Ridley’s strong lead. It resonated well with viewers seeking a classic action-hero narrative in a modern setting, solidifying its place as a decent, if not groundbreaking, entry in the genre.

Direction & Cinematography

Martin Campbell’s direction in “Cleaner (2025)” is precisely what audiences expect from a veteran action filmmaker. He skillfully orchestrates tension, delivering intense set pieces and claustrophobic situations within the high-rise setting. Campbell’s ability to frame clear and impactful action sequences ensures that the audience can follow every punch and desperate maneuver. He builds suspense methodically, even if some critics felt the initial pacing was slow, effectively establishing the stakes before unleashing chaos. His direction emphasizes practical effects and believable stunts, lending a grounded feel to the extraordinary circumstances.

The cinematography by Eigil Hensen (also credited as Eigil Bryld) is a crucial component of the film’s visual success. Hensen’s work captures the verticality and isolation of the skyscraper setting, creating a pervasive sense of danger and vulnerability for Joey as she navigates the building’s exterior. The use of wide shots to emphasize the dizzying heights and tight close-ups during intense combat sequences immerses the audience in the action. The lighting is effectively used to create mood, whether it’s the sleek, sterile environment of the corporate gala or the shadowed, precarious ledges outside. Together, Campbell’s direction and Hensen’s cinematography ensure “Cleaner” is a visually compelling and effectively tense thriller.

Music & Background Score

The music for “Cleaner (2025)” is composed by Tom Hodge, whose score plays a pivotal role in amplifying the film’s tension and suspense. Hodge’s compositions effectively underscore the high-stakes nature of the hostage crisis, building a palpable sense of dread and urgency throughout the film. The score features a blend of pulsing electronic elements and more traditional orchestral arrangements, creating a modern yet classic thriller sound. During intense action sequences, the music heightens the adrenaline, while in more dramatic or suspenseful moments, it subtly emphasizes the characters’ emotional states and the precariousness of their situation. The background score is particularly adept at supporting the cat-and-mouse game between Joey and the extremists, accentuating the moments of near-misses and strategic maneuvers. Hodge’s work ensures that the aural landscape of “Cleaner” is as thrilling and engaging as its visual counterpart, immersing the audience deeper into the unfolding crisis.

Visuals & Special Effects

“Cleaner (2025)” utilizes its visuals and special effects to create a believable and harrowing high-rise environment. As an action thriller, the film relies heavily on practical effects and stunt coordination, minimizing the reliance on overt CGI for large-scale destruction. Instead, the visual effects are employed to enhance the realism of Joey’s perilous movements on the building’s exterior and the impact of gunfire and explosions within the confined spaces. The production design meticulously recreates a luxurious corporate gala setting, which then starkly contrasts with the escalating chaos. The visual representation of the London skyline and the dizzying heights from Joey’s perspective is particularly well-executed, contributing significantly to the film’s suspense. When special effects are used, such as for bullet impacts or minor structural damage, they are seamless and serve to deepen the immersion without drawing undue attention to themselves. This grounded approach ensures that the focus remains on the human element of the struggle and the palpable threat, making the action feel more immediate and impactful.

Editing & Screenplay

The editing for “Cleaner (2025),” handled by Jim Page and Cheryl Potter, contributes significantly to the film’s pacing and tension. The editing team masterfully balances the slow-burn buildup of the initial hostage situation with the rapid-fire intensity of the action sequences. Cuts are precise during combat, ensuring clarity and impact, while slower, more deliberate edits build suspense in quieter, strategic moments. The film’s narrative relies on a clear progression of events, and the editing helps maintain this flow, ensuring that the audience understands the stakes and Joey’s objectives at every turn.

The screenplay, penned by Simon Uttley, Paul Andrew Williams, and Matthew Orton, takes a familiar premise—the “Die Hard” formula—and injects it with a contemporary eco-activist twist. The script effectively establishes the motivations of both the protagonists and antagonists, even if some villainous characterizations lean into genre tropes. It crafts a compelling cat-and-mouse game, with clever twists and challenges that Joey must overcome. While some critics noted that the first act felt a bit drawn out, the script eventually builds considerable momentum, delivering thrilling action and emotional resonance, particularly through Joey’s connection to her brother. The dialogue is sharp and functional, pushing the plot forward and highlighting the escalating danger within the high-rise.

Positives / What Works

“Cleaner (2025)” benefits immensely from Daisy Ridley’s strong and committed performance as the lead, showcasing her prowess in the action genre. Martin Campbell’s veteran direction ensures that the film is a well-crafted thriller, with expertly choreographed action sequences and a pervasive sense of suspense. The film’s compelling “Die Hard in a building” premise, updated with an eco-activist twist, remains engaging throughout. The cinematography effectively captures the dizzying heights and claustrophobic interiors, contributing significantly to the film’s tension. The narrative successfully builds a high-stakes scenario, and the relationship between Joey and her brother adds a crucial emotional core. The thrilling set pieces and the methodical build-up of tension are clear strengths, making it an exciting watch for action fans.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

Despite its strengths, “Cleaner (2025)” does have a few areas that could have been improved. Some critics pointed out that the initial pacing in the first act is relatively slow, taking a while for the primary action to kick off and for Daisy Ridley’s character to fully engage in the fight. While the villains are effectively portrayed, their motivations and characterizations occasionally feel somewhat generic or one-dimensional, fitting into established action movie archetypes rather than offering fresh insights. Additionally, the plot, while engaging, follows a fairly predictable trajectory for a “Die Hard”-style thriller, offering few genuine surprises for seasoned genre enthusiasts. While the action is well-executed, some viewers might have expected a higher volume of intense sequences throughout the entire film, especially given the premise.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Cleaner (2025)” delivers a solid and engaging action-thriller experience, largely buoyed by a strong central performance from Daisy Ridley and the experienced direction of Martin Campbell. While it operates within the familiar framework of a high-rise hostage drama, the film manages to carve out its own identity with its eco-activist premise and a compelling, resourceful protagonist. Despite a somewhat deliberate pace in its opening act and occasionally archetypal villains, the film escalates into a gripping battle for survival. The well-executed action sequences, tense atmosphere, and the emotional stakes involving Joey’s brother make it a worthwhile watch. For fans of classic action thrillers and those looking for a contemporary take on the genre, “Cleaner” is a satisfying and suspenseful ride that proves Campbell still knows how to deliver the goods.

Movie Rating

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