The sphere of streaming entertainment is set to glow with the premiere of Rashida Jones’ new series, “Sunny”, a dark comedy produced for Apple TV+ in collaboration with the lauded studio A24. Earmarked for release on the platform, the series itinerary includes a two-episode launch on July 10, 2024, establishing a weekly cadence with subsequent episodes unfurling each Wednesday until the seasonal close on September 4.
“Sunny” represents the imaginative prowess of creator Katie Robbins, with Lucy Tcherniak at the directorial helm. The plot follows the disquieting journey of Suzie, played by Jones, an American woman residing in Japan whose life is suddenly ruptured by the perplexing and tragic disappearance of her husband and son in a plane crash. Suzie’s melancholic narrative adopts a novel twist with the introduction of Sunny—a domestic robot designed by her husband’s electronics company, ostensibly provided to Suzie as a form of solace.
Despite her initial reluctance and disregard for Sunny, the narrative arc is shaped by the evolution of an unanticipated bond between woman and machine. Together, they embark on an odyssey rife with revelations, navigating the obscure and perilous truths surrounding the fate of Suzie’s family. The duo’s inquest leads them deep into the perilous folds of a world that was hitherto alien to Suzie.
A visual glimpse into the heart of “Sunny” supplied by Apple TV+ encapsulates the aesthetic and emotional tenor of this eagerly anticipated series. Additionally, the storyline is anchored in the thematically rich soil of “Dark Manual”, a work by Colin O’Sullivan, an Ireland-born author residing in Japan whose literary craftsmanship garnered critical recognition.
The ensemble cast assembled for “Sunny” is a diverse mosaic of talent, including Hidetoshi Nishijima, whose performances have been elemental to Japanese cinema, alongside Joanna Sotomura, Judy Ongg, YOU, Annie the clumsy, and Jun Kunimura—actors whose roles are poised to deliver a gripping narrative steeped in dramatic intrigue.
Beyond her occupancy in the leading role, Rashida Jones exerts her creative influence off-screen as an executive producer alongside Robbins. Their artistic synergy is captured within the structural edifice of A24’s distinctive production style, designed to manifest within the digital corridors of Apple TV+.
The inception of “Sunny” is particularly notable as it signifies the second collaborative effort between Apple, A24, and Jones—a tripartite alliance that previously yielded the critically acclaimed film “On the Rocks”, directed by Sofia Coppola. Jones’ orbit within Apple’s creative constellation was further cemented with her role in the global hit series “Silo”, expanding her repertoire and reaffirming her status within the industry.
As Apple TV+ and A24 continue to forge their path in the entertainment landscape, the arrival of “Sunny” stands as testimony to the potential of unique storytelling and the allure of genre-bending narratives. With a darkly comedic lens, the series endeavors to weave a tale of human resilience, the enigma of technology, and the depths to which one might venture to unravel the truth. The stage is set for audiences worldwide to witness the convergence of laughter and lament, anticipation and mystery, as “Sunny” prepares to shine its light on the complex panorama of world cinema and television.
