Joey’s final decision plays a huge role in shaping the resolution of The Cleaner, bringing both emotional weight and thematic closure to the story. Throughout the film, Joey is portrayed as a woman burdened by her past, carrying guilt over her failures, especially when it comes to protecting her autistic brother, Michael. Her dishonorable discharge from the military hints at a past mistake that cost her dearly, leaving her in a state of self-imposed exile, working as a window cleaner and avoiding meaningful relationships. However, when the hostage situation unfolds, Joey is forced back into action, giving her an unexpected chance at redemption.
As the chaos escalates, Joey’s sole focus is to save Michael, but she quickly realizes that the situation is bigger than just her personal mission. Noah’s extremist plan to destroy the building and kill everyone inside forces her to make an impossible choice. When she finally locates Michael, she could have chosen to escape with him and leave the authorities to deal with Noah. But instead, Joey makes the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring Michael reaches safety while she stays behind to stop Noah’s plan. This moment is the culmination of her character arc. She starts the film as someone weighed down by her past mistakes, uncertain of her ability to protect others. But in this moment, she puts her own life on the line, proving that she is capable of doing what’s right, no matter the cost.
Joey’s decision not only adds emotional depth to the story but also heightens the stakes in the final act. If she had left with Michael, Noah’s plan would have succeeded, turning the building into a mass grave and sending his extremist message to the world. Instead, Joey’s choice sets up one of the most intense sequences in the film, where she engages in a brutal fight with Noah in the control room. The hand-to-hand combat is raw and desperate, reflecting the high stakes of the moment. Even when Joey manages to wound Noah, the danger isn’t over, as he still tries to trigger the detonator. This last-second struggle keeps the tension high, making Joey’s eventual victory feel even more rewarding.
By staying behind, Joey doesn’t just stop the immediate threat—she also ensures that the world sees the truth about what happened. The hostages are saved, and the leaked footage of the corporate executives’ confessions sparks public outrage. This reinforces the film’s message about accountability. While Noah’s extremist approach was meant to bring down the corrupt energy company through violence, Joey’s actions lead to justice being served in a way that doesn’t involve mass destruction. In the end, her decision prevents a tragedy while still exposing the company’s wrongdoings, striking a balance between action and consequence.
The emotional impact of Joey’s choice is further explored in the final scene, where she reunites with Michael on a peaceful beach. This moment of calm after all the chaos serves as a powerful contrast to the life-or-death struggle she just endured. Their conversation about Thanos from The Avengers adds an interesting layer to the film’s themes. Michael points out that Thanos had good intentions but was still a villain, drawing a parallel to Noah’s misguided belief that extreme measures were necessary for change. This small but meaningful exchange reinforces the idea that while fighting for a cause is important, how one chooses to fight matters just as much.
Joey’s decision to stay behind also cements her transformation. She begins the film as someone who doesn’t believe in herself, haunted by past failures. By the end, she emerges as a hero—not because she has superhuman abilities, but because she makes the difficult, selfless choice when it matters most. The resolution of The Cleaner is satisfying because it doesn’t just focus on the action; it also gives Joey a deeply personal victory. She proves to herself that she can protect Michael, finds a sense of purpose, and ultimately changes the course of the crisis through her bravery.