The building is taken by an eco-terrorist gang that isn't as cohesive as they would like to think. The group has differing opinions on how far they are ready to go with the hostages as a result of Marcus being challenged by the younger, more intense, and multi-layered Noah. Cleaner 2025 flixhq falters when its political message is compromised, as is the case with far too many stories of this kind. The film's systematic criticisms of corporate greed and environmental degradation are tainted by the villains' predictable crossing of the line into actual murder rather than portraying them as tragic revolutionaries or true ideologues. At least Cleaner's writing tries to give its opponents some depth, despite the annoying cliché.

The antagonist's story gains some much-needed humanity from the confrontations between Noah and the much older Marcus, who is just as determined but more mature and composed. However, Joey's connection with her neurodivergent elder brother Michael—who is portrayed by Matthew Tuck, an actor who is neurodivergent himself, giving the part authenticity—is the real focus of the movie. Michael has a history of being ejected from care facilities due to his inability to fit into the systems that were put in place for him. Joey takes him under her care because she has no other choice, and she also brings him to work, which is regrettably smack in the middle of the attack. Joey is compelled to act to help Michael after he becomes enmeshed in the events taking place within.