Sean Bean’s underrated British spy thriller is rapidly climbing Netflix UK’s top 10 chart
Enthusiasts of espionage films such as The Bourne Identity, or gripping thrillers like Homeland, are being encouraged to watch an overlooked Sean Bean thriller that’s rapidly ascending Netflix UK’s top 10 rankings.
The espionage picture, originally released in 2012, features the iconic British actor embodying a 007-style character as he prepares for a crucial intelligence operation.
Bean headlines alongside an accomplished ensemble cast, including Strike’s Tom Burke, Broadchurch star Charlotte Rampling, and The Gold’s Silas Carson.
The synopsis states: “A British secret service agent is faced with the task of pursuing and eliminating a British-born suicide bomber and his terrorist cell.”
The thriller has been called ‘better than Homeland’(Image: Channel 4/Showtime)
Helmed by Hadi Hajaig, Cleanskin has secured the second position on Netflix UK’s most-watched films chart today, reports the Express.
While it garnered mixed reactions upon its initial release, the film appears to have amassed considerable positive feedback from audiences over the 14 years since its theatrical debut.
It presently maintains a 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with a more favourable audience score of 65%, and has achieved a 6.2/10 rating on IMDb.
On IMDb, one fan described it as “perfect”, while another declared: “Surely best or British this year..
“Spooks meets Bourne – doesn’t get much better than this!” one viewer gushed, with another branding it “better than Homeland and a lot shorter” and someone else exclaiming: “Sean Bean as James Bond! YES!”
James Bond fans must watch this twisty spy film next(Image: Getty)
On Rotten Tomatoes, Sean Bean received significant acclaim for his portrayal, with one viewer noting: “Terrific thriller. Sean Bean at his best.”
Numerous parallels were drawn to Jason Bourne and James Bond, with another fan observing: “A realistic British Bourne film, less Hollywood, more grit. Couldn’t have chosen a better actor than Sean for the lead role. I’m possibly biased from my appreciation of the Bravo Two Zero reconstruction.”
Another commented: “Sean Bean is one of the most underrated stars around. He would have been the perfect Bond – totally grounded and very dangerous, akin to Daniel Craig.”
One viewer observed: “A hidden gem of a film. Gripping in its simple linear execution. Classic old British cloak & dagger stuff.”
Cleanskin is currently available to stream on Netflix.
