Cleaner (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Martin Campbell, the acclaimed director behind GoldenEye and Casino Royale, brings us Cleaner (2025), a high-stakes action thriller that blends the intensity of Die Hard (1988) with a fresh, contemporary premise. Starring Daisy Ridley as Joey Locke, a former soldier turned window cleaner, the film delivers gripping action sequences and high-rise suspense as she fights to rescue 300 hostages from radical eco-terrorists. But does Cleaner break new ground, or is it just another Die Hard knockoff? Let’s dive deep into this action-packed thriller.
Plot Summary
Joey Locke (Daisy Ridley) is a tough, no-nonsense window cleaner, balancing a turbulent personal life while caring for her autistic brother, Michael (Matthew Tuck). When an annual corporate gala of Agnian Energy is hijacked by a group of eco-terrorists led by Marcus (Clive Owen), Joey finds herself in a desperate struggle to save the innocent hostages—including her brother—while suspended 50 stories high.
The terrorists, claiming to expose the corporation’s environmental crimes, quickly turn from activists to ruthless killers. As Joey navigates the exterior of the skyscraper, dodging bullets and scaling sheer glass walls, she must outwit the terrorists and take down their leader before the hostage situation turns into a mass execution.
Cleaner (2025) Review: A Familiar Formula with a Few Surprises
Action & Direction: Martin Campbell’s Signature Style
Martin Campbell is no stranger to high-octane action, and Cleaner is packed with thrilling sequences that highlight his expertise. The fight choreography is intense but grounded, avoiding the overuse of CGI and shaky cam that often plagues modern action films. Campbell opts for practical stunts, making each moment feel more visceral.
One of the film’s most breathtaking sequences involves Joey navigating the building’s glass exterior, using only her cleaning equipment and military training. The tension is palpable, reminiscent of Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011) but with a grittier, more claustrophobic feel.
However, despite its well-executed action, Cleaner doesn’t introduce many new elements to the genre. It borrows heavily from Die Hard, Skyscraper (2018), and even The Foreigner (2017), another Campbell-directed film starring Jackie Chan.
Daisy Ridley Shines as an Action Star
Daisy Ridley proves she’s more than just Star Wars’ Rey, delivering a raw and committed performance. As Joey, she’s tough yet vulnerable, a fighter with real stakes. The film successfully explores her struggle between being a protector and a survivor, making her character more compelling than your typical action hero.
Clive Owen, playing the morally ambiguous antagonist, delivers a solid performance, though his character doesn’t quite match the iconic villainy of Die Hard’s Hans Gruber. Marcus is intelligent and methodical, but his motivations—while relevant in today’s climate—lack emotional depth, making him feel more like a plot device than a fully realized character.
Themes & Social Commentary
While Cleaner is primarily an action thriller, it does attempt to touch on real-world issues, particularly corporate corruption and environmental activism. However, the film’s approach to these topics feels somewhat superficial. The eco-terrorists’ cause is initially sympathetic, but their actions quickly become too extreme, making them easy to dismiss as villains rather than complex antagonists.
Moreover, the film briefly touches on neurodivergence through Joey’s relationship with her autistic brother. While Matthew Tuck’s performance is commendable, the script doesn’t give enough depth to their bond, missing an opportunity to create a truly emotional anchor for the story.
Final Verdict: Engaging but Predictable
Cleaner is an entertaining action film that delivers suspense, solid performances, and well-crafted set pieces. However, it doesn’t quite bring anything new to the genre. It’s a well-made but ultimately predictable thriller that fans of Die Hard-style movies will enjoy.
Where to Watch Cleaner (2025) Online
As of now, Cleaner (2025) is not yet available for streaming. However, based on distribution trends and the involvement of major studios, it is likely to land on one or more of the following platforms:
Subscription Streaming Services (Expected Soon):
- Netflix – Known for acquiring action thrillers.
- HBO Max – Often the home for Warner Bros.-related films.
- Amazon Prime Video – Frequently licenses high-profile action films.
Rental & Purchase Options (Once Available):
- Apple TV/iTunes – Likely to offer digital rentals and purchases.
- Google Play Movies & TV – Standard option for renting or buying.
- Amazon Prime Video – Usually provides rental and purchase options before subscription streaming.
For the latest availability, check JustWatch.
Conclusion: Should You Watch Cleaner?
If you’re a fan of action-packed thrillers with strong female leads, Cleaner is worth watching. While it doesn’t revolutionize the genre, it delivers engaging action, a solid lead performance from Daisy Ridley, and a few unexpected twists.
For now, keep an eye on streaming platforms, as Cleaner is expected to become available soon. If you love adrenaline-fueled movies, this one should definitely be on your watchlist!
