Cast of Cleaner 2025: Complete Cast, Characters & Reviews
You know that moment when a former soldier ends up dangling off a skyscraper, trying to rescue hostages? That’s the setup for Cleaner, the 2025 British action thriller that pairs Daisy Ridley with director Martin Campbell — and we’re here to break down who plays whom, what the critics think, and whether it’s worth your time.
Release year: 2025 · Director: Martin Campbell · Lead actor: Daisy Ridley · Lead character: Joanna ‘Joey’ Locke · Genre: Action thriller · Co-star: Matthew Tuck
Quick snapshot
- Daisy Ridley stars as Joanna ‘Joey’ Locke (Wikipedia (film database))
- Matthew Tuck plays Michael Locke (Wikipedia (film database))
- Clive Owen plays the lead villain Marcus Blake (Wikipedia (film database))
- Exact Netflix streaming date (if any) – not confirmed
- Full cast beyond principal roles – not yet public
- Aggregate critic score on Rotten Tomatoes – unreported as of writing
- US limited theatrical release: 2025-02-21 (Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator))
- UK Sky Cinema release: 2025-05-02 (Wikipedia (film database))
- DVD/Blu-ray: 2025-04-29 (Movie Insider (release tracking))
- Viewers can catch it on Sky Cinema in the UK or check for streaming updates in other regions
- Physical media releases expand accessibility after April 2025
Eight key facts at a glance — one pattern: the cast blends military-action credentials with a family drama.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release year | 2025 |
| Director | Martin Campbell |
| Lead actress | Daisy Ridley |
| Lead actor (brother) | Matthew Tuck |
| Character name (Daisy) | Joanna ‘Joey’ Locke |
| Character name (Matthew) | Michael Locke |
| Plot trigger | Criminal activists hijack a gala |
| IMDb title ID | tt27812086 |
Who plays Michael in Cleaner?
Matthew Tuck as Michael Locke
- Matthew Tuck portrays Michael Locke, the autistic older brother of Daisy Ridley’s character (Wikipedia (film database)).
- Michael is described as an online anti-corruption crusader whose investigation sets part of the plot in motion.
Character background and relation to protagonist
- Joey and Michael have a close bond that becomes central to the story when the hijacking forces Joey to protect him.
- The sibling dynamic adds emotional weight to the action set pieces.
The implication: Matthew Tuck’s performance gives the thriller a human anchor, making the stakes personal rather than just explosive.
Who is the main villain in Cleaner 2025?
Main antagonist identity and actor
- Clive Owen plays Marcus Blake, the leader of the radical eco-activist group Earth Revolution (Wikipedia (film database)).
- Blake orchestrates the seizure of an energy company’s gala, holding 300 people hostage.
Motivations and role in the plot
- The group’s stated mission is to expose corporate environmental crimes, but their methods turn violent.
- Joey, a window cleaner and former SRR soldier, must use her skills to thwart the attack while balancing her brother’s safety.
What this means: Clive Owen brings a measured menace to Marcus Blake, making him a credible antagonist rather than a cartoonish eco-villain.
Owen’s casting as the villain elevates Cleaner above standard DTV fare. His track record in thrillers (Children of Men, Inside Man) signals a performance that grounds the high-concept hijacking in real tension.
The pattern: Owen and Ridley together give the thriller star power and dramatic weight.
Is Cleaner 2025 a good movie?
Critical reception and audience scores
- Early reviews are limited; a Moviejawn critic called it “an overly polished but intense thriller”).
- A Rotten Tomatoes score has not been aggregated at the time of writing, so broad consensus remains unconfirmed.
Strengths and weaknesses according to reviews
- Strengths: Daisy Ridley’s physical performance and Martin Campbell’s efficient direction are highlights.
- Weaknesses: Some critics note a predictable plot and an overly polished veneer that undercuts the grit.
The pattern: Reviews suggest a solid genre entry that doesn’t reinvent the wheel but delivers on the promise of high-altitude action.
The film’s polish — wide shots of London, clean action choreography — is both its selling point and its limitation. Expect a professional thriller, not an indie raw-edge drama.
The implication: Ridley’s performance makes the formula worth watching despite predictable beats.
What is Cleaner about on Netflix?
Plot summary
- Joanna “Joey” Locke (Daisy Ridley), a former SRR (Special Reconnaissance Regiment) operative, works as a window cleaner in present-day London.
- Radical activists from Earth Revolution hijack a gala at a high-rise building, taking 300 hostages.
- Joey, already on the outside of the building for her cleaning job, must scale the structure and rescue the trapped people.
Setting and main conflict
- The entire thriller unfolds in and around a London skyscraper.
- Joey’s brother Michael, an autistic activist, becomes a pawn in the standoff, giving her a personal mission beyond the hostage crisis.
The catch: Despite the question’s phrasing, Cleaner is not a Netflix original. It had a limited US theatrical release on 2025-02-21 (Movie Insider (release tracking)) and debuted on Sky Cinema in the UK on 2025-05-02 (Wikipedia (film database)). Streaming availability beyond that hasn’t been announced.
Is Cleaner worth watching?
Pros and cons for viewers
Upsides
- Strong lead performance by Daisy Ridley, who handles the physical demands convincingly.
- Martin Campbell’s direction ensures tight pacing and effective suspense.
- Clive Owen and Taz Skylar add depth to the villain and henchman roles.
- Runtime of 1 hour 36 minutes keeps the story lean.
Downsides
- Plot twists are telegraphed early; seasoned thriller fans may find it formulaic.
- Limited theatrical release means many viewers will have to wait for home media.
- Some reviews describe the film as “overly polished,” lacking the grit of Campbell’s earlier work (Casino Royale).
Comparison to similar thrillers
Fans of Die Hard or Skyscraper will find familiar beats — lone hero, trapped brother, enemy takeover. What sets Cleaner apart is the sibling relationship and the eco-activist angle, which adds a contemporary edge.
Recommendation for fans
If you enjoy straightforward action thrillers with a capable lead and a director who knows the genre, Cleaner is a solid watch. The trade-off: you’ll accept a predictable outline for a well-executed ride.
“CLEANER is an overly polished but intense thriller.”— Moviejawn review (via Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator))
“Matthew Tuck is credited as Michael Locke, Joey’s older brother, who is autistic and an online anti-corruption crusader.”— Wikipedia entry (film database)
The forward stake: For action fans in the UK, Sky Cinema makes Cleaner an easy weekend pick. For US viewers without a nearby art-house screen, the April 2025 disc release is the safest bet — a solid option to see Daisy Ridley in action.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cleaner 2025 based on a true story?
No. Cleaner is a fictional action thriller. Its plot — a former soldier turned window cleaner rescuing hostages — is original, not drawn from real events.
What is the age rating for Cleaner 2025?
The film is rated R for violence, language throughout, and brief drug use (Rotten Tomatoes (rating authority)). Viewer discretion is advised.
How long is Cleaner 2025?
The runtime is 1 hour 36 minutes (Rotten Tomatoes (runtime data)).
Where was Cleaner 2025 filmed?
The film is set and was shot in present-day London (Rotten Tomatoes (film synopsis)).
Who plays the young Joey in Cleaner 2025?
Poppy Townsend White is credited as Young Joey (Wikipedia (cast listing)).
What is the SRR in Cleaner 2025?
The Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR) is a British Army unit. Joey’s background as a former SRR operative explains her combat and climbing skills.
Is Cleaner 2025 a Netflix original?
No. Cleaner had a limited US theatrical release on 2025-02-21 and debuted on Sky Cinema in the UK on 2025-05-02 (Wikipedia (distribution)). Netflix availability has not been announced.
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