“Cleaning Up,” a British drama series that premiered in 2019, delivers a gripping narrative set against the high-stakes world of insider trading.
Created by Mark Marlow, the show combines drama, suspense, and moral dilemmas, offering a look into the life of Sam Cook, a single mother and office cleaner who becomes entangled in the illicit financial world.
Through Sheridan Smith’s captivating portrayal of Sam, the series explores themes of greed, ethics, and the consequences of crossing moral boundaries.
Plot Overview
The series centers around Sam Cook, a struggling single mother who works as a cleaner in a high-powered office building in London’s Canary Wharf, the epicenter of the UK’s financial world.
Sam’s life is defined by financial instability and a crippling gambling addiction that threatens to spiral out of control. As she juggles her responsibilities as a mother with her personal demons, Sam finds herself in a precarious situation when she gains access to confidential financial information about upcoming stock market deals.
Sam’s Risky Gamble
One night, while cleaning a high-rise office, Sam overhears a conversation about a major business deal that will significantly impact stock prices. In a moment of desperation, she realizes that she has the opportunity to change her life.
Sam begins to covertly use the insider information to make risky investments, hoping to turn her fortune around. With little knowledge of the complexities of insider trading, she recruits her colleagues, Jess (played by Jade Anouka) and Mina (Anya McKenna-Bruce), to help her navigate this dangerous world.
As the series progresses, Sam’s involvement in the illicit trading scheme deepens, leading to unforeseen consequences. While she initially sees it as a way to provide a better life for her family, Sam’s moral compass begins to unravel.
The risks of insider trading threaten not only her financial security but also her relationships with her loved ones and colleagues. As Sam’s actions catch the attention of those in power, she must face the consequences of her choices, leading to a tense and unpredictable climax.
Critical Reception
“Cleaning Up” has garnered praise for its intriguing plot and strong performances, particularly that of Sheridan Smith, who brings depth and vulnerability to the role of Sam Cook. The series has been hailed for its suspenseful storytelling, which keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as the characters’ fates unfold.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 92% approval rating based on 12 critic reviews, with the consensus noting, “Cleaning Up is a twisty delight thanks to Sheridan Smith’s plucky heroine, who grounds the series’ more incredulous turns with a lived-in charisma.”
The show’s ability to blend drama with suspense is one of its standout features. It doesn’t shy away from depicting the moral complexities that come with making choices for personal gain, especially in the morally grey world of financial crime.
Many reviewers have highlighted the strong performances of the cast, with particular attention given to Smith’s portrayal of Sam as a flawed, but deeply relatable, protagonist.
Cast and Characters
The performances of the cast are integral to the success of “Cleaning Up,” with Sheridan Smith leading the way as Sam Cook. Smith, a BAFTA-winning actress, brings a rare emotional depth to her character, portraying a woman torn between her desire for a better life and the consequences of her morally questionable actions.
Her performance grounds the series in a way that allows viewers to empathize with her, even as she becomes increasingly involved in the dangerous world of insider trading.
Jade Anouka plays Jess, one of Sam’s colleagues who becomes complicit in the insider trading scheme. Jess is initially hesitant but is soon drawn into the world Sam creates.
Anya McKenna-Bruce portrays Mina, another colleague who joins the scheme, bringing her own set of motivations and risks to the table. Together, these three women form the heart of the story, each facing their own struggles with ethics, loyalty, and ambition.
Kristy Philipps plays Swanny, a character who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding events. Swanny’s influence on Sam’s journey adds another layer of tension, as he presents a potential threat to Sam’s carefully constructed world of financial gain and secrecy.
Where to Watch
As of January 2025, “Cleaning Up” is available for streaming on several platforms, making it accessible to a wide audience. Those with Amazon Prime Video can purchase the series or watch it through a subscription to Sundance Now or AMC+. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the series can also be streamed for free with ads on Tubi.
Subscribers to AMC+ can watch the series as part of their subscription package. These streaming options allow fans of the show to easily catch up on the drama and follow Sam’s journey as she navigates the murky waters of financial crime.
Audience Reception
Audiences have responded positively to “Cleaning Up,” with many praising its engaging storyline and the stellar performance of Sheridan Smith. Viewers have been particularly drawn to the ethical dilemmas the characters face, particularly in the context of the financial world.
The show sparks discussions on the nature of insider trading, the personal costs of breaking the law, and the consequences of prioritizing personal gain over morality.
The portrayal of the financial industry’s darker side, as well as the way Sam’s actions disrupt the lives of those around her, adds a layer of tension to the show that keeps viewers invested.
Many have commented on the relatability of the characters, especially Sam, whose flaws and struggles make her more than just a typical protagonist. Her journey is a reminder that in the world of financial crime, the stakes are high, and the fallout can be devastating.
Thematic Exploration of Ethics and Morality
One of the most striking aspects of Cleaning Up is its deep dive into the ethical and moral quandaries faced by its protagonist, Sam Cook.
As she becomes more embroiled in insider trading, the show challenges viewers to consider the moral implications of Sam’s actions. Despite her initial good intentions—seeking to secure a better life for herself and her children—her decisions lead to increasingly questionable behavior.
The series presents a nuanced view of the conflict between right and wrong, making it clear that the world of financial crime is not just black and white. Sam’s internal struggle and her interactions with other characters force viewers to question the boundaries of ethical decision-making and whether the end ever justifies the means. This thematic exploration of ethics and morality adds a rich layer of complexity to the narrative, making Cleaning Up more than just a crime drama.
A Look at Social Class and Ambition
Another key theme woven throughout Cleaning Up is the tension between social class and ambition. Sam, a working-class single mother, is determined to break free from the cycle of financial instability and personal hardship.
Her desperation to change her circumstances and provide a better future for her children is relatable to many viewers, particularly in the context of the class divides often seen in high-stakes industries like finance.
As Sam’s ambitions grow, so does the contrast between her humble beginnings and the world of high finance she now seeks to infiltrate. The show uses Sam’s journey to explore how ambition can lead individuals to make dangerous choices, highlighting the lengths people will go to in order to achieve success and wealth.
In doing so, Cleaning Up offers a critical commentary on the pressures of social mobility, the pursuit of personal gain, and the potential cost of such ambitions.
Wrapping Up
“Cleaning Up” is a compelling exploration of the world of insider trading, offering a unique perspective through the eyes of an ordinary woman caught up in extraordinary circumstances. With its combination of drama, suspense, and moral complexity, the series is a standout in contemporary British television.
Sheridan Smith’s exceptional performance as Sam Cook anchors the show, bringing both emotional depth and tension to a story filled with twists and turns. For those interested in a thought-provoking look at the consequences of unethical choices, “Cleaning Up” is a must-watch series that will keep viewers hooked from start to finish.
FAQs
Q: What is the premise of “Cleaning Up”?
A: “Cleaning Up” follows Sam Cook, a single mother working as an office cleaner in London’s financial district. Facing financial difficulties and battling a gambling addiction, Sam stumbles upon insider trading information while cleaning the offices. She decides to use this knowledge to improve her financial situation, leading her into the risky world of financial crime.
Q: Who are the main cast members of “Cleaning Up”?
A: The series features Sheridan Smith as Sam Cook, the protagonist. Other notable cast members include Jade Anouka as Jess, Sam’s friend and confidante; Anya McKenna-Bruce as Mina, Sam’s daughter; and Kristy Philipps as Swanny, a colleague who becomes involved in Sam’s schemes.
Q: How was “Cleaning Up” received by critics and audiences?
A: “Cleaning Up” received positive reviews for its engaging storyline and strong performances. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 92% approval rating based on 12 reviews, with critics praising Sheridan Smith’s portrayal of the lead character.Metacritic assigns the series a score of 60 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews.
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