Cleaning Up

Cleaning Up is a gripping, British television drama series, developed by ITV and first broadcasted in January 2019. With its tight, six-part narrative and deeply layered storytelling, the series became immediately popular not only in the United Kingdom but also in other parts of the world. The series is created and penned by award-winning playwright, Mark Marlow, and is produced by Jane Featherstone.

The plot centers around Sam Cook, an office cleaner who is battling to maintain a steady life while dealing with a fierce whirlwind of personal issues. Sheridon Smith, the BAFTA-winning actress renowned for her diverse roles, brings this extraordinary character to life with realistic panache. Smith’s performance is astounding as a single mother who plunges herself into the risky world of insider trading to change her life.

As we journey with Sam, we witness a myriad of day-to-day challenges that she juggles in her personal and professional life. Overwhelmed with debt and carrying the responsibility of raising her two young daughters, Alice and Lily, the series provides an intimate look at the struggles of a working-class woman in today’s world. Additionally, the show delves into the themes of addiction, drawing attention to the resultant social and economic implications through Sam’s gambling problem – a flaw that adds layers to her character dynamics.

The series unfolds in London's Canary Wharf, the bustling, capital’s financial district, full of towering business enterprises and high-stakes investment firms. Sam cleans their offices with Jess, one of her close friends, and this is where Sam is exposed to critical, confidential financial details. Discovering that these can be exploited for personal gain, she slips into the edgy and unlawful world of insider trading, uniting with an unlikely network of cleaners intent on doing the same.

This drama proves to be an eye-opener, revealing the stark contrasts between the world of the financially privileged and the disadvantaged. It explores how the affluent brokers, traders, and investors are contrasted against the low-paid cleaners who tidy up after them every night. Yet, Sam and her unlikely team utilize their unique position – invisible to the big-business stakeholders who unknowingly spill secrets around them – to seize an opportunity for financial independence.

Mark Marlow has done an excellent job of molding Cleaning Up into a unique mix of a suspense thriller, a financial crime drama, and a family drama. The characters are all woven together with finesse, and the narrative pushes us to root for Sam, despite her morally questionable decisions. It’s a rare glimpse into a world where the desperate and resourceful navigate the law’s grey areas to make ends meet.

Each episode is enriched by a robust supporting cast, including Jade Anouka as Jess, Matthew McNulty as Dave – Sam’s estranged husband, Rosie Cavaliero as Frances – Sam’s work colleague and Kristy Philipps and Anya McKenna-Braun as Sam’s daughters, Lily and Alice respectively. The side characters are brilliantly etched, further enriching the storytelling, contributing to the series' pace and engaging nature.

Director Lewis Arnold, known for his outstanding work in shows like 'Misfits' and 'Humans', brings his distinctive style here too, blending the thrill of financial high-jinks with deeply moving personal struggles. The camera work is sharp, the music aligned, and the editing ensures each episode always ends on a nail-biting cliffhanger.

Critics and viewers alike have praised Cleaning Up for its powerhouse performances, particularly that of Smith, in addition to its compelling storytelling and relatable characters. The series has galvanized audiences around the globe, thanks to its gritty yet empathetic take on life in modern London.

Despite its relatively short run, Cleaning Up does not pull its punches, drawing viewers into a tantalizing exploration of morality, desperation, and hope against a backdrop of inequality and corporate excess. So, if you appreciate complex characters, suspenseful storytelling, and thoughtful social commentary, Cleaning Up is certainly one show to watch.