Sunshine Cleaning (2008)
An off-beat indie comedy-drama about two sisters who build a crime scene clean-up business and rediscover themselves along the way.
Sunshine Cleaning - Movie Information
- Original Title: Sunshine Cleaning
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Christine Jeffs
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 18, 2008 (United States - R), April 28, 2009 (United Kingdom - 15), May 21, 2009 (Germany - 12), June 10, 2009 (France), December 30, 2010 (Brazil - 12), April 9, 2010 (Italy), September 3, 2009 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: サンシャイン・クリーニング (JP), 清潔小小姐 (HK), סאנשיין בע"מ (IL), Sunshine Cleaning - Non c'è sporco che tenga (IT), Tiszta napfény (HU), Trabalho Sujo (BR)
- Production Companies: Overture Films, Back Lot Pictures, Big Beach
- Production Countries: United States of America
Sunshine Cleaning - Plot
A single mother and her slacker sister find an unexpected way to turn their lives around in this off-beat dramatic comedy. In order to raise the tuition to send her young son to private school the mom starts an unusual business – a biohazard removal/crime scene clean-up service.
Sunshine Cleaning - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what this indie gem has in store:
life's a messy business.
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Sunshine Cleaning - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Christine Jeffs
Main Cast
- Amy Adams
- Emily Blunt
- Steve Zahn
- Alan Arkin
- Clifton Collins Jr.
- Eric Christian Olsen
- Kevin Chapman
- Jason Spevack
- Mary Lynn Rajskub
- Paul Dooley
Writers
- Megan Holley
Producers
- Jeb Brody
- Peter Saraf
- Marc Turtletaub
- Glenn Williamson
Sunshine Cleaning - FAQs
What is Sunshine Cleaning about?
Sunshine Cleaning follows Rose Lorkowski, a struggling single mom in New Mexico, who teams up with her free-spirited sister Norah to start a crime scene clean-up business. It's a warm, darkly funny story about family, second chances, and finding dignity in unexpected places.
Is Sunshine Cleaning based on a true story?
Not directly, but the premise is grounded in reality. Crime scene and biohazard clean-up is a genuine profession, and writer Megan Holley drew on real-world details to shape the story. The emotional core — sisters rebuilding their lives through unconventional work — feels authentically human throughout.
Where can you stream Sunshine Cleaning right now?
You can stream Sunshine Cleaning on HBO Max or through the HBO Max Amazon Channel. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Plex Channel offers it for free as well.
How does Amy Adams's performance stand out in this film?
Amy Adams brings remarkable warmth and vulnerability to Rose Lorkowski, a woman holding everything together while quietly falling apart. It's a grounded, nuanced performance that avoids easy sentimentality — critics widely praised it as one of her best early dramatic turns, showcasing the range she'd become celebrated for.
Who are the main actors in Sunshine Cleaning?
The film stars Amy Adams and Emily Blunt as the Lorkowski sisters at the center of the story. They're joined by Alan Arkin as their lovably scheming father, Steve Zahn as Rose's married boyfriend, and Clifton Collins Jr. in a quietly touching supporting role.
Is Sunshine Cleaning worth watching?
Absolutely. Critics praised its sharp performances and emotional honesty, and it earned strong word-of-mouth at Sundance before its wider release. If you enjoy character-driven indie comedies with genuine heart — think Little Miss Sunshine territory — this one delivers. The Adams–Blunt chemistry alone makes it memorable.
What is the age rating for Sunshine Cleaning?
Sunshine Cleaning is rated R. The rating reflects mature themes including suicide, adult relationships, and the occasionally grim realities of crime scene clean-up work. It's not graphic, but the film deals honestly with difficult subject matter, making it best suited for adult viewers.
Did Sunshine Cleaning win any awards or festival recognition?
Sunshine Cleaning premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, where it generated significant buzz and earned Amy Adams an Independent Spirit Award nomination. The film was produced on a modest $5 million budget and went on to gross over $16 million worldwide, a solid success for an indie drama.
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