It’s seldom that film depicts adult sibling relationships of depth.  I can recall very few (if any) great films that depict the relationship between two brothers or a group of sisters.  When these relationships are depicted, it’s in the midst of battle or some other sweeping, vast dramatic context that doesn’t happen with great frequency in the lives of the viewing audience.  Yes, Legends of the Fall is about brothers, but in the course of the film, they’re all fighting over one woman, go to war together, are arrested for moonshine, are elected to Mayor...  While these scenarios are ripe for drama, they don’t happen to most people.  And “most people” are the folks in the seats at the movie theater. 

Why is it this way?  Because narrative structure requires drama, and drama tends to function better when the stakes are very very high.  To create high stakes without a violent love affair, without gunplay, without situations most regular people ever see... it’s incredibly difficult.  Megan Holley’s script for Sunshine Cleaning kicks some serious ass, though, as it rises above uber-drama convention and delivers a story of heart, sincerity and complexity.  And it does it all right here in the real, identifiable world - with flawed characters that we love, root for, and are sometimes disappointed by. 

Christine Jeffs, whose previous foray into directing (the bio-pic Sylvia about the poet Sylvia Plath) was lackluster - proves that she’s a solid director when she has a strong screenplay.  Her direction here is subtle, tender, non-judgmental.  She brings the story to life with an understanding and sympathetic touch, without manipulation.  Bravo!

Rounding out the heavy hitters are Amy Adams and Emily Blunt - the two sisters.  Adams is quickly firming herself up as one of the new generation’s strongest actors, bouncing from genre to genre and skin to skin with grace and true diversity.  Her Rose is conflicted, lacking in confidence, has more layers than one can see.  Emily Blunt gives an equally strong performance as Norah, the younger and less responsible sister who’s trying desperately to figure out who she is.  Neither plays the stereotype, and both succeed brilliantly.

Some less thoughtful people may label this film a “chic flick.”  If you’re unfortunate enough to be married to or dating a man who thinks in such terms, bring your sister, your mom, or a good friend.  But definitely check this one out.  It’s one of the best films of 2009 thus far.