Looking forward to a quirky movie that recounts the struggles of an optimistic single mom who doesn't give up, I saw Sunshine Cleaning yesterday. There was definitely a lot of optimism. The single mom, whose life ain't what she dreamed it would be, presses on. She does what she has to. She doesn't give up; and she takes steps to improve herself and the lives of her family. I like these kinds of people!
Her name is Amy. A housecleaner for one of those Minute Maid type of businesses, she is desperate for money to pay for her son's private school. Amy hears that the crime-scene cleanup business is way more lucrative than merely cleaning bathrooms and making beds, and she dives in with the help of her not-so-enthusiastic younger sister Norah. They don't become millionaires by any means, but by elbow grease, perseverance and by bringing a little humanity and hope to the torrid scenes, Amy manages to build up a good little business. There are some funny scenes, some poignant scenes and some terribly sad ones.
While Amy is growing the business, the girl's father is struggling to build up his own selling business all the while teaching his grandson about business "acumen." A favorite scene is where he finally succeeds selling some gourmet popcorn to a reluctant candy shop owner. The grandson plays a critical role here.
There are some unexpected plots in the movie. (It's not all sunshine and optimism.) One of the characters, and I won't say which one, is having an affair. One of the characters smokes pot. There are some flashbacks to the girls' mother who died tragically herself. And, the strangest subplot recounts the strange connection between Norah and a lady who works at a blood bank.
Since I love stories of women who persevere and remain positive no matter what life throws them, I recommend this movie and will see it again when it comes out on DVD.