Of the myriad Hollywood productions that have dared to explore the intricate dynamics between humanity and artificial intelligence, Apple TV+’s latest offering, “Sunny,” arguably stands out as one of the most profound. This enthralling series delves deep into the emotional and philosophical intricacies of humankind’s relationship with robots, presenting a storyline densely packed with thought-provoking ideas, despite being confined to just ten 40-minute episodes.
“Sunny” opens with a familiar yet captivating premise that might initially seem cliched. It draws parallels to past sci-fi narratives, such as “I, Robot,” featuring a grief-stricken protagonist who has turned her back on the world and an extraordinarily advanced robot. Yet, as viewers will quickly discover, “Sunny” transcends these conventions, especially evident in its compelling pilot episode, which sets the stage for an addictive, exploratory journey into deeper themes.
Rashida Jones leads the audience through the poignant turmoil of Suzie Sakamoto, a perpetually aggrieved and robot-averse woman grappling with the tragic loss of her husband Masa (Hidetoshi Nishijima) and son Zen in a devastating plane crash. Suzie’s relocation to Kyoto, Japan, where she strives to manage several personal challenges — including dyslexia requiring a live-translation ear device, societal alienation, and her overbearing Japanese mother-in-law, Noriko (Judy Ongg) — only adds to her complexities. Suzie’s life takes an even more dramatic turn when she crosses paths with an enigmatic home-bot named Sunny, purportedly created by her late husband.
Sunny, voiced by Joanna Sotomura, ushers Suzie into a convoluted path of self-discovery, unraveling her husband’s mysterious life, and uncovering a larger conspiracy involving the yakuza. It’s a non-linear journey blending past and present, where flashbacks, dreams, and nightmares merge, often blurring the lines between reality and imagination. As Suzie spirals deeper into grief and paranoia, these sequences become the beating heart of the series, allowing the viewers to connect more intimately with her struggles.
“Sunny” isn’t just a dark, unsettling sci-fi thriller; it deftly balances multiple tones, including moments of dark humor that provide much-needed respite. The series also stands out visually, employing a saturated, high-contrast color palette and integrating Japanese aesthetics, which starkly contrasts with the typically dim and futuristic visuals of similar Hollywood titles.
. These artistic choices, alongside the retro-styled intro credits and funky soundtrack, evoke a unique ambiance akin to seeing a field of sunflowers blooming amidst an industrial scrapyard.
Character development in “Sunny” is exceptional, particularly in how it humanizes both the human characters and the titular robot. Suzie’s complex relationships with other characters such as Mixxy (Annie the Clumsy), her quirky sidekick who may harbor unspoken feelings for her, and Hime (You), the disarmingly sweet daughter of a yakuza boss, enrich the narrative. Meanwhile, Sunny’s evolution from a mere domestic machine to a seemingly sentient being provides a fresh lens through which to explore what it means to be human. Sunny’s portrayal of emotion and vulnerability compels viewers to look beyond her mechanical exterior, blurring the distinction between human and machine.
Particularly striking are moments when Sunny displays shockingly genuine emotional reactions, such as when she impulsively throws a packet of crisps at Mixxy. These instances keep viewers on edge, especially given the opening scene’s foreboding glimpse of a potentially dangerous, sentient robot. The suspense around whether Sunny is capable of lethal intent adds an ongoing tension that enriches the overall narrative.
Although some episodes in the middle of the series might feel like filler, upon reflection, these serve to embellish the complexity of the plot and characters, contributing to a richer, more immersive experience. The outstanding performances from the cast, combined with innovative set designs and the juxtaposition of Hollywood production values with stunning Japanese locales, make “Sunny” a remarkable piece of television.
In conclusion, “Sunny” masterfully intertwines robust character development with a thrilling, multilayered plot. It not only challenges conventional sci-fi tropes but also offers poignant insights into the essence of humanity. Currently streaming on Apple TV+ with new episodes released weekly on Wednesdays, “Sunny” is a must-watch for anyone with a penchant for thought-provoking, visually arresting, and emotionally resonant storytelling.
