Cleaner: Stream It or Skip It? An Engaging Dive Into the Film
The Gist: A Heist with a Twist
In the action-packed film Cleaner, now streaming on HBO Max, Daisy Ridley portrays Joey Locke, a window washer embroiled in a tense confrontation with eco-terrorists inside a high-rise. With a past as a special forces operative, Joey’s skills are put to the test as she finds herself hanging off the side of a building while trying to rescue her brother Michael (played by Matthew Tuck), who has autism. As their story unfolds, we’re thrust into a world of corporate corruption and unexpected heroism.
Plot Overview: The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever
Joey’s chaotic life takes a turn when her brother is kicked out of his care home. Desperate to support him, she brings Michael to work on her motorcycle. The not-so-glamorous setting? Agnian Energy’s glitzy corporate party, filled with wealthy elites and fraught with tension.
Enter the villains: the masked eco-terrorist group Earth Revolution, led by the enigmatic Marcus (played by Clive Owen) and Noah (Taz Skylar). Their mission? To expose Agnian’s corruption, taking their eco-warrior agenda to new heights… albeit with guns and bombs.
While Joey holds the lens of the narrative from outside the windows, the chaos unfolds within. Can she tap into her training and save the day? Cue the adrenaline!
What Movies Will It Remind You Of?
Critics have drawn parallel comparisons to classics like Die Hard, while others suggest a dash of the hit-or-miss Skyscraper starring Dwayne Johnson. If you’re a fan of nail-biting tension and spatial dynamics, this film might tickle your fancy.
Performances that Shine
Though Clive Owen’s screen time is brief, Daisy Ridley stands out as the film’s emotional anchor. With her ability to blend vulnerability with badassery, she keeps viewers invested in Joey’s journey.
Memorable Dialogue: Wit in the Midst of Chaos
Joey’s self-affirmation encapsulates the film’s essence: “You’ve got this, Joey. It’s just like riding a bike 700 feet high in a mangled f—ing cradle, having dead bodies thrown at you.” Humor amidst tension is always a winner.
Sex and Skin: Keeping It Clean
Fans searching for risqué moments will find none in Cleaner. The focus here is strictly on the action and plot.
Our Take: A Blend of Action and Chaos
Ultimately, Cleaner presents an entertaining ride that shies away from deep philosophical interpretations. It’s a throwback to 80s action flicks that value thrills over social commentary. While some may read it as a commentary on the average citizen’s role in thwarting corporate malfeasance, it’s primarily a vehicle for escapism.
Director Martin Campbell, known for films like Casino Royale, certainly knows how to keep the tension alive. Although Cleaner adheres to formulaic action tropes, it doesn’t entirely disappoint. With slick visuals and engaging choreography, it manages to deliver an engaging (if not groundbreaking) experience.
Final Call: Should You Stream It?
So, what’s our verdict? Cleaner teeters on the line of being watchable yet forgettable. With 51% of its charm attributable to Ridley’s performance, we recommend giving it a shot—but only if you’re in the mood for a mindless escape.
Decision Time: Stream It—With a Side of Indifference.
As with any film, the enjoyment level may vary, but Cleaner delivers just enough excitement to earn a spot on your watchlist—especially for action enthusiasts. Happy streaming!
John Serba is a dedicated freelance writer and film critic based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
