Sunshine Cleaning

Sunshine Cleaning
2009
Directed by Christine Jeffs

If you are able to see only one movie in the next coming months, I highly recommend that you make it this one. This movie is a charming dramady centered on the dysfunctional relationship of two sisters who go into business cleaning up crime scenes. This is a movie that could end up with a lot of mainstream buzz but still has the heart and soul of an indie flick (a la Juno and Little Miss Sunshine).

The plot line is faily simple and there are few (if any) real twists and turns, but it is still very enjoyable. There were several times while watching it when I expected something to happen but it didn't, so I would not go as far as to say it was predictable, but it is not by any streach of the imagination a keep-you-on-your-toes/ mess-with-the-audience type of film.

The movie took on a lot issues concerning death, including the afterlife and how to help the grievng. One of the most touching moments is when Oscar tries to use a CB radio to call Heaven.
I have to admit I started tearing up several times in this film (oh yes, it's a bit of a tearjerker if you let it be), especially the train sequence when Norah has a flashback to her childhood (I don't want to give away too much here).

Overall, this is a very sweet and clever movie and I highly recommend.
NB- if you are someone who is uncomfortable with suicide in film, this might not be the one to watch. There are three.

Rating: A-