Daisy Ridley Shines in High-Rise Action

Director Martin Campbell has built a strong reputation for creating impactful action films, from The Mask of Zorro (1998) to GoldenEye (1995) and Casino Royale (2006). His latest venture, Cleaner (2025), explores the high-rise action thriller genre, offering a fresh perspective with Daisy Ridley in the lead role.

The Plot

We meet Joey Locke (played by Daisy Ridley), a resourceful high-rise window cleaner with a turbulent past. As she navigates a hostage situation unfolding in the building she’s cleaning, we are introduced to the complex dynamics between the eco-terrorist group and the building’s owners. Led by Marcus (Clive Owen), the group faces internal conflicts that challenge their mission.

Taz Skyler and Clive Owen have an intense private face to face confrontation as they decide who should lead their eco-terrorist group in the high-rise action thriller CLEANER. Taz Skylar & Clive Owen in ‘Cleaner’
Courtesy of Quiver Distribution

The Characters

The conflict between Marcus and Noah adds depth to the villainous side of the narrative. However, the heart of the story lies in Joey’s relationship with her neurodivergent brother, Michael (played by Matthew Tuck). Michael’s unique abilities and their bond bring a human touch to the action-packed plot.

Daisy Ridley as the elite ex-soldier Joey Locke and her neurodivergent older brother Michael, played by actor Matthew Tuck, hack into a building's mainframe on a computer in the high-rise action thriller movie CLEANER.