Daisy Ridley‘s latest film, Cleaner, is gaining significant attention as an energetic action movie after its recent arrival on HBO Max, sparking comparisons to the classic Die Hard and generating buzz among fans and viewers. The Daisy Ridley Cleaner action movie stands out for its intense thrills, with Ridley taking on a lead role that cements her status as an action star to watch.
Ridley Takes the Lead in High-Stakes London Drama
Cleaner first premiered in the United States in February before reaching audiences in the United Kingdom in May. Directed by Martin Campbell, the film features Daisy Ridley as Joey Locke, a former soldier who has transitioned to a civilian life as a window cleaner atop a towering London high-rise. What begins as a typical day quickly escalates when her brother joins her at work, coinciding with an unexpected and dangerous takeover of the building by radical environmental activists. Their objective is to force a major energy company to confront its questionable business practices.
As the story unfolds, the situation grows increasingly perilous. The presence of these activists leads to violent confrontations, causing chaos within the skyscraper and turning Joey into the reluctant hero at the center of the crisis. The film’s blend of high-stakes action and emotional stakes, with Ridley’s character striving to protect her loved one trapped inside, delivers fast-paced thrills that have resonated with audiences. While critics, such as ScreenRant’s Alex Harrison, offered mixed responses—with Harrison awarding it 5 out of 10 stars—general viewers have been more enthusiastic. The film’s rise to popularity following its HBO Max debut attests to its broad appeal.
Cleaner Follows in the Footsteps of Die Hard Influences
Ridley’s new film joins a long tradition of action movies that borrow elements from the iconic Die Hard formula. Released in 1988, Die Hard set a new standard for the genre, with Bruce Willis’s portrayal of John McClane and Alan Rickman’s unforgettable turn as Hans Gruber earning widespread acclaim. The story’s focus on a lone, resourceful hero facing off against insurmountable odds in an isolated setting has inspired a diverse array of films over the decades, such as Under Siege, Olympus Has Fallen, and even Netflix’s 2024 release Carry-On.
In both Die Hard and Cleaner, the plot relies on the tension of a high-rise under siege. The protagonist, isolated within the building, must contend with a well-organized group of adversaries while forging critical connections with people outside, such as law enforcement. There are even specific moments in Cleaner that overtly echo the storytelling beats of the 1988 classic, reinforcing its place in the lineage of high-stakes, single-location action films.
Daisy Ridley’s Performance Sets Cleaner Apart
While many films try to emulate Die Hard’s success, Cleaner distinguishes itself through Daisy Ridley’s compelling portrayal of Joey Locke. The genre’s enduring popularity stems from audiences’ love of familiar but engaging stories—especially those involving a central hero overcoming overwhelming odds. The film’s dynamic action sequences and unexpected twists are heightened by Ridley’s performance, which provides emotional depth and realism.
Ridley, best known as Rey from the Star Wars sequel trilogy, takes on a fresh challenge with Joey, a protagonist marked by both strength and vulnerability. Far from the archetypal action hero, Joey is depicted as a character with flaws and a willingness to operate in moral gray areas. Once she’s forced into direct confrontation, especially during intense hand-to-hand combat scenes, Ridley’s talent and physicality shine, convincingly anchoring the action around her.
Since her leading role in 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Ridley has not headlined many high-profile films. With Cleaner, she proves that her skills extend well beyond science fiction. Just as Bruce Willis’s turn in Die Hard established him as a new kind of action star, Ridley’s Joey comes across as a fully realized and relatable figure, earning the audience’s support and investment in her story. This performance may signal the start of a new era for Ridley as a prominent lead in action cinema.
Strong Supporting Cast and Production Team
The movie also features Clive Owen in the role of Marcus, bringing his own formidable presence to the screen and supporting Ridley’s central character. The cast’s chemistry and the direction from Martin Campbell—whose past credits include celebrated action films—help elevate the movie beyond its genre conventions. These elements, alongside the taut script and London setting, create a lively and immersive viewing experience.
With thematic overlap to classics like Die Hard and new faces like Ridley and Owen at the helm, Cleaner showcases a mix of homage and innovation within the genre. This has propelled the film to the top ranks on HBO Max, demonstrating that there is still a robust audience for tightly crafted, character-driven action stories.
The Appeal and Future of Ridley’s Action Career
Cleaner’s success highlights both the enduring appeal of the action-thriller formula and Daisy Ridley’s potential as a leading actress in new, bold roles. The positive audience response on HBO Max affirms a sustained interest in high-energy, suspenseful films anchored by compelling characters. As Ridley is expected to return to the Star Wars universe, her performance in Cleaner has made a strong case for her place in future action projects.
With a mix of established stars, intense storylines, and a fresh take on familiar themes, the Daisy Ridley Cleaner action movie is proving to be more than just another genre entry—it is an exciting signal of Ridley’s versatility and the continued vitality of the action film landscape. As fans continue to embrace the film, attention will turn to Ridley’s next steps, both in iconic franchises and, perhaps, a new legacy of action roles.
