Cleaner - Movie Review

Cleaner is an uncompromising action thriller rooted in the modern London where a former soldier and a window cleaner comes face to face with a life threatening hostage drama. Event that revolves around the film is a gala event of an energy company in which a bunch of terrorists have taken 300 people as the hostage. The goals of the four recognizable activists who have decided to protest against corporate fraud are overpowered by the actions of a dangerous man in their team who decided to take other people’s lives in order to make the company change for the better. This is where our unlikely hero, who is precariously balancing on the ledge of a high rise building, struggles to meet the goal of rescuing the hostages among which is a little sister like her.

Viewers are taken through an entailing adrenaline movie of action packed sequences, the tussle between the hero and villain as well as the theme showing the ultimate heroism in achieving the goals of saving the people on the building and showing a little girl like the main character. It gives the reader a concept of corruption, dualism of good motives being twisted into evil, and the attempts at attaining the greater good resulting in destruction. It switches back and forth between thrilling action and existentialist drama, and challenges the viewer in their set ideas about good and evil. This transition from a soldier to a window cleaner is quite convincing and engages the viewers in her fight not only with the outside world but also within her. Accompanying moves by Clive Owen and Ray Fearon enrich the plot which adds a human touch into the face-off between the idealist vs the fanatic.

Overall, in I Henry 5, Martin Campbell heightens the energy that he lays between pulsating action and suspense that defines him. His direction ensures that the storys pace never falters, maintaining an intense focus that captures the urgency of the unfolding drama.

The soundtrack complements the films tension, accompanying the high-stakes scenarios with pulsating beats and dramatic undertones that enhance the narratives immersive quality.

The cinematography captures the claustrophobic intensity of the hostage scenario, delivering stunning aerial visuals juxtaposed with tight, disorienting shots that mirror the protagonists precarious situation on the skyscraper.

Production design expertly builds the world of Cleaner, transforming a modern high-rise into a battleground teeming with intricacies that reflect the narratives tension and stakes.

Special effects are employed sparingly but effectively, adding a layer of realism that enables the film to maintain its tense, immersive atmosphere without overshadowing the story.

The editing of Cleaner is sharp and precise, ensuring that each scene transitions smoothly while retaining the narratives relentless pace and gripping narrative flow.

The film maintains a brisk but carefully measured pace, balancing moments of intense action with those of reflective drama to ensure audience engagement throughout its runtime.

The dialogue is taut and purposeful, revealing the characters motivations and backstories without resorting to unnecessary exposition. The dialogue makes the film feel more intense and increases the risks involved.

It is oppressive but utilising ‘Cleaner’ in terms of its theme and features, some viewers may feel that this one contains clichés closely related to the prior action thriller trope. A few characters could use more fleshing out to build up more dramatic tension in the story however, ‘Cleaner’ is a good action-thriller that captures the viewer’s attention immediately and does not let go till the very end. It gives not only the feeling of an adrenaline rush, but also the reflection of the Code’s principles, with Ridley in the leading role.