After her adventures in a far-off galaxy, Daisy Ridley's career has remained captivatingly grounded, bringing a variegated palette of roles to life. From the captivating domestic thriller "Magpie," the heartfelt workplace dramedy "Sometimes I Think About Dying," to the stimulating sports drama "Young Woman and the Sea," Ridley's expansive filmography spans across immersive indie films and traditional family blockbusters alike.
In the directorial helm of James Bond virtuoso Martin Campbell, Ridley embarks on a journey in the adrenaline-laced action movie, "Cleaner." Joining the ranks of Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt and Bruce Willis' John McClane, Ridley's audacious action heroine portrayal might not match the elation of a "Die Hard" movie or the "Mission: Impossible" franchise but her formidable presence elevates the action-packed narrative.
The crux of Ridley's character Joey, the cleaner in question, centers around her resilience, nurtured while navigating a neglectful childhood and shouldering the responsibility of taking care of her neurodivergent brother, Michael. This has equipped her well for the trials and tribulations she faces in the film, but it's her ex-military background and ironclad stamina that come in handy when skyscraper terrorists come into the picture.
As the film unfolds, Joey finds herself grappling with hostage-taking terrorists known as "Earth Revolution," while cleansing the windows of an energy company. Despite the slightly off-beat plot involving environmental concerns, the film gains momentum through rigorous action sequences and Ridley's invigorating performance.
Although the screenplay shows a misstep in tackling environmental themes, "Cleaner" compensates with Campbell's adept maneuvering of the action narrative. Ridley, unfazed by the challenges, delivers captivating performances in fight scenes and tense moments, in tandem with a competent police officer, portrayed by Ruth Gemmell.
In a nutshell, the spotlight in "Cleaner" is the charismatic Ridley, who commands attention effortlessly. Traversing from the realm of fantasy to gritty action, Ridley's force continues to be remarkably strong.
