Martin Campbell, the veteran director behind cinematic triumphs like Casino Royale, returns with Cleaner, a high-octane action thriller starring Daisy Ridley. While the film boasts impressive performances and thrilling action sequences, it grapples with complex themes of climate change, activism, and neurodiversity, resulting in a somewhat disjointed narrative. This in-depth review delves into the intricacies of Cleaner, exploring its strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately assessing its impact as both an action film and a social commentary.
Cleaner
Cleaner unfolds against the backdrop of London’s Canary Wharf, where Joey (Daisy Ridley), a window cleaner for the powerful Agnian Energy, finds herself caught in the crossfire of a dramatic hostage situation. The catalyst for this chaos is Earth Revolution, an extremist group initially aiming to expose Agnian’s environmentally damaging practices. However, the group’s plans take a deadly turn when Noah (Taz Skylar), a radicalized member, hijacks the operation, pushing the stakes to explosive levels. Joey, precariously suspended outside the building on her cleaning platform, becomes an unwitting witness and a crucial player in the ensuing drama.
The film’s narrative, penned by Simon Uttley, Paul Andrew Williams, and Matthew Orton, attempts to weave together the high-stakes thriller elements with a commentary on climate change activism. However, this thematic blend proves to be one of the film’s most significant challenges.
Daisy Ridley delivers a compelling performance as Joey, a complex character burdened by a troubled past and the responsibility of caring for her autistic brother, Michael (Matthew Tuck). Ridley imbues Joey with a quiet strength and vulnerability, making her a relatable and engaging protagonist. The film shines in its portrayal of the sibling dynamic between Joey and Michael. Cleaner approaches the theme of neurodiversity with sensitivity and respect, avoiding harmful stereotypes and showcasing the genuine bond between the siblings. Michael’s “special interests” ultimately contribute to the resolution of the conflict, but in a way that feels organic and earned, rather than a contrived plot device. This nuanced portrayal of neurodiversity is a refreshing departure from typical Hollywood tropes.
Taz Skylar, fresh off his acclaimed performance in Netflix’s One Piece, delivers a captivating portrayal of Noah, the film’s antagonist. Skylar masterfully balances Noah’s calculated demeanor with the underlying desperation driving his radical actions. While clearly a villain, Noah’s motivations are rooted in a deep-seated frustration with the lack of action on climate change, prompting the audience to ponder the complexities of his choices.
However, Cleaner‘s commentary on climate change and activism is where the film falters. The film’s perspective feels muddled, seemingly criticizing both radical activism and mainstream approaches. This ambiguity leaves the audience unsure of what message the film intends to convey. The film’s release coincides with the rise of groups like Just Stop Oil, and Cleaner appears to be a reaction to the increasing tensions surrounding climate activism. While acknowledging the urgency of climate change, the film hesitates to take a clear stance, resulting in a somewhat confused and ultimately unsatisfying exploration of the issue.
Martin Campbell, a seasoned action director, delivers moments of genuine suspense and thrilling action sequences. The film’s setting, the towering One Canada Square, provides a visually striking backdrop for the unfolding drama. However, the action sequences, while competently executed, sometimes feel generic and lack the innovative flair that could have elevated them.
Cleaner presents a compelling premise with strong performances and a nuanced portrayal of sibling dynamics. However, its muddled commentary on climate change and activism ultimately detracts from its overall impact. While the film raises important questions about the urgency of climate action and the complexities of activism, it fails to provide clear answers or offer a coherent perspective. This thematic ambiguity leaves the audience with a sense of dissatisfaction, despite the film’s other redeeming qualities.
The film’s depiction of neurodiversity, particularly through the character of Michael, is a significant strength. Cleaneravoids the pitfalls of simplistic portrayals often seen in mainstream media, instead presenting Michael as a complex individual with his own unique strengths and challenges. The film’s focus on the bond between Joey and Michael highlights the importance of understanding and acceptance, offering a positive representation of neurodiversity.
Cleaner is a bit flawed but ultimately engaging action thriller. Daisy Ridley’s powerful performance and the film’s nuanced portrayal of neurodiversity are significant strengths. However, its muddled commentary on climate change and activism detracts from its overall impact. While the film offers moments of genuine suspense and thrilling action, it falls short of its potential to deliver a meaningful message. Despite its shortcomings, Cleaner remains a watchable film, particularly for fans of Daisy Ridley and those interested in exploring the evolving landscape of action thrillers.
