Sunshine Cleaning

Sunshine Cleaning is a a lovely wee film. Not, however, in the way that so many American indies (In Search of A Midnight Kiss, Away We Go, 500 Days of Summer) have tried to be in recent years. While its tale of two sisters establishing a crime scene cleaning business invites comparisons to the quirky, kooky and frankly infuriating aforementioned works, its low key direction, nuanced characterisations and unforced screenplay (from first-timer Megan Holley) make for a pleasingly relaxed viewing experience. In much the same spirit as the 70s era movies of Bob Rafelson and Hal Ashby, the film details ordinary lives without recourse to irony or self-conscious eccentricity. Adams, as a former high school babe turned struggling single mother, is superb, while Blunt is believably moody and ambiguous, with even Arkin downplaying his crackpot persona. If this makes it all sound rather dull, don't be put off. There's real warmth, wit and affection here. Did we mention it's lovely? [Michael Gillespie]