Cleaner Movie (2025) Review

Introduction

In the realm of action thrillers, “Cleaner Movie (2025)” emerges as a high-stakes narrative set against the backdrop of London’s towering skyscrapers. Directed by Martin Campbell, known for his work on “Casino Royale,” the film stars Daisy Ridley as Joey Locke, a former soldier turned window cleaner who finds herself entangled in a life-threatening hostage situation. Released on February 21, 2025, the movie attempts to blend intense action sequences with emotional depth, aiming to captivate audiences seeking adrenaline-fueled entertainment.

Plot Summary

“Cleaner Movie (2025)” unfolds with Joey Locke, portrayed by Daisy Ridley, navigating her new life as a window cleaner after leaving the military. Her routine takes a perilous turn when eco-terrorists seize control of the skyscraper where she works, taking 300 hostages during an energy company’s annual gala. Among the captives is Joey’s autistic brother, Michael, adding a personal stake to her mission. Suspended 50 stories high, Joey must leverage her military training and resilience to thwart the terrorists’ plans and save the hostages, all while confronting her own past and the building’s looming threats.

Cast and Performances

Daisy Ridley delivers a compelling performance as Joey Locke, embodying a character torn between her traumatic past and the immediate dangers she faces. Her portrayal captures the physicality required for the role, showcasing intense action sequences that highlight her combat skills. Taz Skylar’s depiction of Noah, the radical leader of the eco-terrorists, adds a layer of unpredictability, while Clive Owen’s brief appearance as a morally ambiguous character provides a nuanced perspective on the film’s central conflict. The supporting cast contributes to the narrative’s tension, each character adding depth to the unfolding drama.

Direction and Cinematography

Martin Campbell’s direction in “Cleaner Movie (2025)” brings a seasoned touch to the film’s pacing and visual storytelling. Utilizing the confined spaces of the skyscraper, Campbell crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere that heightens the tension. The cinematography captures the vertigo-inducing heights and the stark contrast between the building’s sleek interiors and the chaos unfolding within. The use of tight shots and dynamic camera movements immerses viewers in Joey’s perilous journey, effectively conveying the urgency and stakes of her mission.

Action Sequences and Stunts

The film’s action sequences are a standout feature, with meticulously choreographed stunts that showcase Joey’s agility and combat prowess. From high-altitude confrontations to intense hand-to-hand combat, the action is both thrilling and grounded. Daisy Ridley’s commitment to performing many of her own stunts adds authenticity to the scenes, enhancing the viewer’s engagement. The film balances explosive set pieces with strategic encounters, ensuring that each action moment serves the narrative and character development.

Themes and Messages

“Cleaner Movie (2025)” dives deeper than your average action flick by embedding social and emotional themes within its high-octane structure. At its core, the film explores the destructive obsession with control, be it over the environment, personal trauma, or societal structures. Joey’s internal struggle with PTSD and her need to redeem past failures adds emotional gravity to the narrative. Simultaneously, the eco-terrorist antagonists, though violent and extreme, shine a spotlight on corporate environmental negligence, raising questions that feel eerily relevant in today’s world.

One of the most heart-touching elements of “Cleaner Movie (2025)” is Joey’s relationship with her autistic brother, Michael. Their bond isn’t just a subplot, it’s the emotional spine of the movie. The way Joey fights for Michael amidst chaos adds a deeply human angle that grounds the larger-than-life action. The film also nods to themes of redemption, sacrifice, and resilience, making it more than just a popcorn flick, it’s a story with soul.

By addressing both global issues and intimate personal struggles, the movie strikes a rare balance. It forces viewers to consider not only what they’re watching but why it’s happening. That’s what makes the themes in “Cleaner Movie (2025)” resonate far beyond the final credits.

Comparison to Similar Films

“Cleaner Movie (2025)” will instantly remind genre fans of classics like Die Hard, and that’s not by accident. The high-rise hostage setup, the lone hero with a military background, and the against-all-odds vibe are all deliberate nods to the 1988 Bruce Willis blockbuster. However, where “Die Hard” focused on snappy one-liners and high testosterone energy, “Cleaner Movie (2025)” adds a modern edge with a female lead and emotionally intelligent storytelling.

That said, “Cleaner Movie (2025)” carves its own path. It doesn’t aim to replicate old formulas blindly. Instead, it injects current themes like eco-terrorism and neurodiversity representation into the mix. Films like Skyscraper or The Towering Inferno also come to mind, but neither offer the grounded emotional punch that this movie delivers.

The comparison helps position “Cleaner Movie (2025)” in the action-thriller pantheon while showing how it evolves the genre. It respects its roots but isn’t trapped by them. The story, performances, and stylistic choices give it a unique flavor, proving it’s not just another copy-paste action flick. Fans of intense, isolated-location thrillers will find it familiar yet refreshingly different.

Critical Reception

Since its release, “Cleaner Movie (2025)” has received a mix of praise and critique, but it’s mostly leaned toward the positive. Critics lauded Daisy Ridley’s breakout performance as a gritty action heroine who doesn’t rely on tropes. Many highlighted her ability to combine vulnerability with sheer toughness, something that’s not always easy to pull off convincingly in this genre.

Reviewers have also appreciated Martin Campbell’s direction, especially how he maintains tension without letting the pace drop. Action fans and film critics alike have noted the practical effects and real-world stunt work as a welcome break from over-CGI-heavy blockbusters.

Of course, not all feedback has been glowing. Some felt the villains lacked depth or that the message on environmental issues was a bit on the nose. But most agreed that the film’s emotional weight, suspenseful atmosphere, and thrilling action sequences outweigh its minor shortcomings.

Sites like Rotten Tomatoes gave it a healthy audience score, and IMDb user reviews have been overwhelmingly favorable, often referring to it as “Die Hard meets modern-day ethics.” All signs point to “Cleaner Movie (2025)” earning a solid spot in the modern action film landscape.

Box Office Performance

Despite being an action movie that’s more character-driven than franchise-fueled, “Cleaner Movie (2025)” managed to punch well above its weight at the box office. Opening weekend numbers exceeded expectations, pulling in over $40 million globally, with particularly strong showings in the UK, US, and parts of Europe.

Its success can be attributed to strong word-of-mouth buzz, Ridley’s dedicated fanbase, and a smart marketing campaign that positioned it as both a thriller and a story of resilience. The fact that it didn’t rely on an existing IP made its performance all the more impressive, proving audiences are hungry for original stories when done right.

The film continued to perform steadily over the following weeks, especially thanks to limited competition in its release window. Analysts expect its total worldwide gross to surpass $150 million before it exits theaters, a remarkable feat for a non-franchise action drama in today’s cinematic landscape.

Soundtrack and Score

The soundtrack in “Cleaner Movie (2025)” doesn’t just set the mood, it elevates it. Composed by an up-and-coming talent in the film music scene, the score fuses heart-thumping percussion with subtle emotional undercurrents. It mirrors the dual tone of the movie: tension-filled action sequences balanced with deep emotional introspection.

What makes the score truly effective is its use of silence. During the film’s quieter moments, especially those between Joey and her brother Michael, the music steps back, allowing raw emotion and character interaction to fill the space. Then, when things explode into action, the score kicks in with full force, using synth-heavy elements to create urgency and adrenaline. It’s a careful orchestration of calm and chaos that hits all the right beats.

Some standout moments include a high-tension rooftop escape accompanied by an accelerating tempo, and the final confrontation, underscored by a swelling string arrangement that encapsulates the stakes and resolution beautifully. The soundtrack of “Cleaner Movie (2025)” isn’t just background noise, it’s a narrative partner, guiding the viewer’s emotional journey.

Visual Effects and Production Design

While “Cleaner Movie (2025)” thrives on its realism, the visual effects are strategically used to enhance, not overshadow, the action. There’s a practical feel to the destruction and high-rise danger that gives every scene a tactile intensity. Explosions, breaking glass, and vertigo-inducing scenes on the outside of the skyscraper feel real, because many of them are.

The production team built a partially functioning skyscraper set for key sequences, and the attention to detail is astonishing. The building itself almost becomes a character, with narrow maintenance shafts, rooftop obstacles, and perilous drop-offs offering both danger and cinematic spectacle. From the metallic, corporate interior designs to the gritty mechanical guts of the building, every part of the set supports the film’s immersive atmosphere.

“Cleaner Movie (2025)” makes intelligent use of CGI, blending it seamlessly with live-action elements. You won’t find cartoonish effects or overblown visuals here. The realism and grounded design keep you on edge, reinforcing the claustrophobic danger and helping the audience stay locked into Joey’s experience.

Pacing and Editing

If there’s one thing “Cleaner Movie (2025)” nails with absolute precision, it’s the pacing. The film doesn’t waste time with unnecessary fluff. From the opening scene, the story pulls you in and refuses to let go. Every moment feels deliberate, building steadily toward the climax without a single dragging sequence.

The editing is crisp, especially during the action scenes. There’s a clear understanding of spatial awareness, something that’s often lost in modern action movies. The film doesn’t rely on shaky cams or chaotic cuts to create energy. Instead, it allows the tension to build naturally, giving the viewer time to breathe between the chaos without losing momentum.

Transitions between the emotional scenes and explosive action are smooth and well-timed. One minute, you’re watching Joey quietly recollect her past with her brother, and the next, you’re gripping your seat as she rappels down the building to escape a deadly trap. This kind of rhythm ensures the film keeps you emotionally invested while still delivering the adrenaline rush you expect from a blockbuster.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Like any film, “Cleaner Movie (2025)” has its highs and lows—but thankfully, the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses. Let’s break it down:

Strengths:

• Daisy Ridley’s performance: Her portrayal of Joey Locke is fierce, layered, and emotionally resonant.
  Action realism: Practical stunts and tight choreography bring the action to life.
• Emotional stakes: The relationship between Joey and her brother adds heartfelt tension.
• Social relevance: Touches on real-world themes like environmental destruction and PTSD.

Tight pacing: Keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

Weaknesses:

• On-the-nose messaging: A few scenes get a bit preachy with their environmental commentary.
• Predictable structure: While the film is emotionally rich, its overall story arc may feel familiar.
• Villain depth: Some viewers may find the eco-terrorists underdeveloped or too archetypal.

Still, none of these drawbacks severely hurt the film. In fact, for most viewers, they’re just minor quibbles in an otherwise satisfying and impactful action experience.

Final Verdict

So, is “Cleaner Movie (2025)” worth your time? Absolutely. It’s a rare breed of action thriller that delivers more than just explosions and chase scenes. It gives you a protagonist you actually care about, high-stakes action that feels earned, and an emotional throughline that pulls at your heartstrings. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it sure polishes it up.

If you’re looking for something with grit, soul, and just the right amount of skyscraper suspense, “Cleaner Movie (2025)” delivers. It’s a film that proves you don’t need a cape or billion-dollar franchise to captivate an audience, just a strong story, a committed cast, and a director who knows how to hold the tension tight.

Whether you’re in it for the thrills, the emotional beats, or just a solid night at the movies, this one’s got you covered.