TVTV NewsNetflixA 'hidden gem' British spy thriller starring Sean Bean is quickly climbing the Netflix UK top 10 chart – and fans of James Bond and Homeland are urged to watch it now.15:32, 11 Jul 2026Fans of Homeland are urged to try a 'terrific' forgotten Sean Bean spy thriller quickly climbing the Netflix top 10 chart.‌The espionage film, which first hit screens back in 2012, sees the iconic British actor channel his inner James Bond as he prepares for a high-octane secret service mission.‌Bean stars alongside an impressive ensemble cast in the film, including Legends star Tom Burke, Dune actress Charlotte Rampling and Torchwood's Silas Carson.‌The synopsis for the movie reads: "A British secret service agent is faced with the task of pursuing and eliminating a British-born suicide bomber and his terrorist cell."Helmed by director Hadi Hajaig, Cleanskin has secured the number two spot on Netflix UK's top films list today.‌Despite receiving a mixed reception upon its original release, the film appears to have amassed a wealth of glowing reviews from audiences in the 14 years since it first arrived in cinemas.It currently holds a 53% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a higher audience rating of 65%, and has been rated 6.2/10 on IMDb, reports the Express.On IMDb, one fan declared it "perfect", while another called it "better than Homeland and a lot shorter".‌"Spooks meets Bourne - doesn't get much better than this!" one viewer gushed, while one more exclaimed: "Sean Bean as James Bond! YES!"Over on Rotten Tomatoes, Bean's performance has drawn considerable acclaim, with one viewer writing: "Terrific thriller. Sean Bean at his best."‌Comparisons to Jason Bourne and James Bond were plentiful, with another fan commenting: "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 remarked: "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."A further viewer noted: "A hidden gem of a film. Gripping in its simple linear execution. Classic old British cloak & dagger stuff."Article continues belowCleanskin is available to stream now on Netflix.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Tom BurkeDaniel CraigSean BeanNetflixBroadchurchHomelandJames BondSpooks