Cleaner: An Exciting Thriller with a Strong Female Lead
Hostages in a skyscraper may sound familiar, but Cleaner brings a charismatic lead, a hilarious antagonist, and a motive that will spark conversation.
The Plot
In Cleaner, criminal activists hijack a glamorous event, taking 300 hostages. One extremist theorizes mass murder as a means to deliver a message to society. Meanwhile, an ex-soldier turned window cleaner, played by Daisy Ridley, embarks on a mission to rescue the hostages.
A Fresh Take on a Familiar Concept
Comparisons to Die Hard are inevitable, especially given the setting of a skyscraper. However, director Martin Campbell manages to infuse Cleaner with a contemporary twist, exploring the complexities of revolutionary ideals and the consequences of radical action.
The Lead
Daisy Ridley stars as Joey, a former soldier turned window cleaner. Despite her background, she struggles to adapt to civilian life, relying on her brother for support. This adds a layer of emotional depth to the character, making her journey resonant for many viewers.
Ridley’s performance is both charming and compelling. She uses her intelligence and quick thinking to outmaneuver the terrorists, offering a refreshing take on the action hero. However, her near-perfect abilities occasionally veer into implausibility, clashing with the film’s portrayal of her as a relatable everywoman.
The Villain
Noah, played by Taz Skylar, stands out as a standout antagonist. His radical ideology is vividly illustrated through his wild and unpredictable actions, making him a memorable character. Skylar’s performance is a joy to watch, as he brings both intensity and humor to the role.
Supporting Cast
While Clive Owen’s appearance is brief, his presence adds a touch of sophistication to the film. His character is a nod to cinema’s classic villains, invoking a sense of nostalgia without overshadowing the main storyline.
Matthew Tuck’s performance as Joey’s brother brings a sense of levity to the narrative, bringing balance to the film’s tone.
Action and Drama
Cleaner delivers a mix of intense action sequences and emotional moments. The performances are strong, and the set design is impressive, capturing the claustrophobic feel of a hostage situation.
The film excels in creating ambiguity around the motivations of the terrorists, adding depth to the plot. While some may align with the eco-terrorist cause, others may find their methods extreme.
Conclusion
While Cleaner may not be groundbreaking, it offers a solid and entertaining experience. Martin Campbell manages to create a modern take on a classic action genre protagonist, making Cleaner a must-see for fans of the genre.
The film showcases Daisy Ridley’s versatility, Taz Skylar’s charisma, and Martin Campbell’s skill in crafting a well-paced thriller. It’s a great example of how even the most familiar storyline can be refreshed with fresh talent and thoughtful direction.
CLEANER is set to hit theaters on FEBRUARY 21ST, 2025.
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The Archynetys Entertainment Desk reports on film, television, music, streaming, celebrity culture, and the business of entertainment. Coverage is designed to be timely, readable, and contextualized, with an emphasis on what is shaping culture rather than simple recap publishing.
