Ever had a feeling where you can't believe what just happened, but are somehow thankful it did? That pretty much sums up my experience with the action thriller, "Cleaner". Can you believe I almost missed this gem from the 2025 movie roster? Well, me neither!

Why would I overlooked a Martin Campbell’s movie? After all, this is the veteran director who served us delightful plates of cinematic masterpieces such as James Bond classics- Goldeneye and Casino Royale. I finally got a chance to indulge in "Cleaner" with my HBO Max subscription and boy, was it an outing!

Let's make one thing clear though, "Cleaner" isn’t about to snatch the Best Picture title of the year, but it packs in a swerve that will knock your socks off. Now, I'm bursting to spill the beans. But let's pause for a spoiler alert, consider yourself warned.

Papering over the spoilers, let’s cut to the chase that got my heart racing and jaw dropping. We are just 40 minutes into "Cleaner" when suddenly, Marcus Blake (brilliantly portrayed by Clive Owen), the face of eco-terrorist group Earth Revolution, is shockingly killed by his comrade Noah Santos (played by the menacing Taz Skylar). Are you as bewildered as I was?

Sure, it felt like a bait and switch scenario as Clive Owen's charismatic features plastered the marketing materials, hinting at a lead role. But boy, the shock when he was offed in such a swift manner! You'd think this was shaping up like the "Inside Man" with Owen's villain being the show-stopper, yet the rug was pulled out from under us just as we were forming an attachment to his character.

In truth, it took me a while to come to terms with Marcus Blake’s sudden exit in "Cleaner". I even replayed the scene in disbelief. Who kills off the main baddie before Act 2 rounds off, right?

However, after I collected my scattered thoughts, I came to appreciate this compelling choice. It transformed Noah Santos into a ruthless antagonist, stopping at nothing to fulfill his mission. His betrayal against Joanna Locke, portrayed by Daisy Ridley, adds an additional layer to his menacing persona. But Clive Owen, we’ll miss having you around!

I wouldn't rank "Cleaner" among Clive Owen’s best appearances, yet the audacious twist adds a nice flavor to it. The movie offers edge-of-the-seat action sequences, most notably involving Daisy Ridley's kick-butt character Joanna. Despite a few pacing hiccups and a somewhat predictable plot, the unexpected twist propelled it a few notches up the cinematic ladder. It left me on my toes, anticipating every next turn.

In essence, "Cleaner" might not sweep you off your feet overall, but that twist is simply too delectable to ignore.