Daisy Ridley Fights Terrorists in Action-Packed Film ‘Cleaner’

LOS ANGELES, CA — Daisy Ridley stars in the action film “Cleaner,” which premieres in theaters this Friday. The film follows her character, Joey Locke, a window cleaner who must save hostages when a group of radical activists, led by Clive Owen, seize control of an energy company’s gala at One Canada Square in London.

Ridley, 29, described preparing for her role by studying mixed martial arts (MMA) fights, although she found them challenging to watch. “I tried to watch MMA fights. Honestly, they’re so violent I struggled to watch that many of them,” Ridley said in a recent interview. Despite her hesitation with the sport, she aimed to embody the aggression of a cage fighter in her portrayal of Joey.

“That level of aggression and that level of being very in your body, that was really the thing that was driving me physically for her,” Ridley added. To get physically ready, she engaged in fight training but did not claim to train in MMA style, focusing instead on adapting her movements for the film’s various fight sequences.

The plot of “Cleaner” centers around Joey, who becomes entangled in the terrorists’ plot while cleaning windows 50 stories high. When the attack happens, her brother, Michael (played by Matthew Tuck), is among the 300 hostages, making the situation personal for her. Ridley emphasizes, “I think it really is the heart of the story. Joey does what she does really to save her brother.”

The film portrays intense action sequences, with the setting adding to the peril. According to co-presidents Berry Meyerowitz and Jeff Sackman of Quiver Distribution, “Cleaner” is “such an intense ride featuring some of the most vigorous action sequences we have seen in years.” Ridley echoes their sentiments, discussing the challenges of filming fight scenes in confined spaces as well as being suspended from a simulated building in a studio environment.

Visually, the film combines real sets with special effects to create a believable backdrop, ensuring Ridley felt connected to her environment. “Everything you see that I’m hanging off of is very tangible and interactive,” she noted.

Though Ridley is known for her physical roles, such as Rey in the Star Wars franchise, she also balances more emotional films like “Sometimes I Think About Dying.” Ridley reflected on her diverse career, stating, “Of course, there’s always physicality that lends itself to the role, but the films that I get to do the physical stuff on screen are always great and always a challenge, but I’m also particularly tired when I finish those ones.”

Looking ahead, Ridley is set to reprise her role as Rey in an upcoming Star Wars film, with a screenplay currently being developed by George Nolfi. “I know where it’s going and I’m very excited to read the script,” she said, eager to dive back into the saga.