Congratulations to Rashida Jones!
Rashida Jones, star and executive producer of Sunny, convinced Apple and A24 to fund her trip to Japan. However, the end result is a sci-fi thriller that falls short despite an intriguing premise.
An Ordinary Person in Extraordinary Circumstances
In this adaptation of Colin O’Sullivan’s novel The Dark Manual, Jones portrays Suzie Sakamoto, an expat living in Kyoto who receives news of her husband and son’s tragic death in a plane crash. But as Suzie delves deeper into the mystery, doubts begin to arise, especially when she discovers unusual clues that question the official narrative.
One of the most intriguing aspects is the gift left behind by Suzie’s husband. He buys her an android companion named Sunny, designed to provide comfort and support. In an unexpected turn of events, Sunny becomes the key to unraveling the truth behind the disappearance of Masa and Zen, leading Suzie down a path of dark secrets.
A Missed Opportunity for Sci-Fi Delight
Set in a mod-futuristic Kyoto where language barriers are bridged by technology and programming code holds power, Sunny had the potential to be a thrilling blend of the mundane and sci-fi. However, the series falls short of expectations with a slow-paced narrative that struggles to engage viewers.
The unfolding mystery surrounding Masa and Zen’s disappearance becomes needlessly convoluted, with each revelation introducing new characters from Masa’s past. Unfortunately, none of these new players adds enough intrigue to justify the prolonged storytelling.
A Character Study in Grief and Discovery
Suzie’s emotional journey as a grieving mother and wife is at the core of Sunny. However, despite Rashida Jones’s performance, Suzie remains a stagnant character throughout the series. Her reluctance to change and open up to those around her hinders the audience’s ability to connect with her plight.
The supporting cast, including the endearing android Sunny, adds color to the story. Sunny’s quest for affection and understanding brings depth to the narrative, showcasing a complexity that surpasses the human characters.
Ultimately, Sunny fails to capitalize on its potential as a captivating science fiction series, missing the opportunity to explore the quirky stylishness and experimental themes hinted at early on. The sluggish pacing and lack of character development hinder the show from reaching its full potential.