Samuel L. Jackson has built a legendary career playing everything from a Marvel superhero to a hitman with a philosophical streak. But one of his most understated roles is now finding a massive new audience. Cleaner, a 2007 crime thriller starring and produced by Jackson, has quietly climbed to the #2 spot on Netflix's Top 10 chart, according to FlixPatrol.
The film's sudden resurgence is all the more surprising given its initial reception. During its theatrical run, Cleaner was panned by critics, earning a dismal 17% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Many dismissed it as "too mainstream to attract genre interest" or "low-energy and grindingly mediocre." Yet, time has been kind to this murder mystery, and a rewatch reveals a tightly crafted thriller anchored by a compelling, restrained performance from Jackson.
A Star-Studded Mystery with a Unique Hook
Jackson plays Tom Cutler, a former police officer who now runs a crime scene cleaning service. When he's called to a sprawling mansion to clean up after a homicide, he discovers that the homeowner, Ann Norcut (Eva Mendes), had no idea a crime occurred in her house. Suspicious, Tom begins digging into the case, uncovering a web of corruption tied to Ann's missing ex-husband. Director Renny Harlin carefully builds the suspense, leading to shocking reveals that pull Tom deeper into danger.
The film boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Keke Palmer as Tom's daughter and Ed Harris in a key role. But it's Jackson who delivers the standout performance. Instead of his trademark explosive energy, he plays Tom as a quiet, observant man who has seen humanity at its best and worst. It's a more measured, dramatic turn that showcases his range—a reminder that he can anchor a tense thriller without raising his voice.
For fans of forgotten thriller gems, Cleaner is a welcome rediscovery. Its streaming success also highlights the enduring appeal of adult-skewing dramas, a genre that was once a staple of Hollywood.
Jackson's Next Crime Thriller
Anyone craving more crime thrillers from Jackson after Cleaner won't have to wait long. He's set to star in Frisco King, a spin-off of the Sylvester Stallone-led series Tulsa King, written and produced by Taylor Sheridan. This time, Jackson plays Russell Lee Washington Jr., a notorious hitman building his own criminal empire. In a recent interview, Jackson expressed his excitement about joining the Tulsa King universe, saying, "At least 15 of those shows are on my watchlist all the time, so I'm really happy to be in that universe."
Whether he's playing a lawman or a criminal, Jackson brings a magnetic intensity to every role. Cleaner proves that even his quieter performances can leave audiences glued to the screen. If you're looking for a gripping mystery with a star-studded cast, this is one political thriller that deserves a second look.
