Rashida Jones Stars in Quirky New Apple TV+ Drama 'Sunny' Set in Japan

Rashida Jones takes on the lead role in "Sunny," a captivating 10-episode dramedy that is set to premiere on Apple TV+ this Wednesday. The story follows Suzie, an American expatriate living in Japan, who is married to a Japanese man and heavily relies on an in-ear translator for communication during her solo outings.

Tragedy strikes when her husband and young son vanish in a commercial plane crash, leaving Suzie in a state of profound grief and disconnection. Her strained relationship with her cold-hearted mother-in-law, Noriko (Judy Ongg), and her confessions to a sympathetic bartender, Mixxy (Annie the Clumsy), illustrate the depths of her emotional turmoil.

Enter Sunny

Adding an unexpected twist to the narrative, her husband’s associate delivers a homebot to her doorstep. This chirpy humanoid, named Sunny and voiced by Joanna Sotomura, was specifically designed and programmed by Suzie's husband, Masa (Hidetoshi Nishijima), for her. Interestingly, Masa, who allegedly worked in the refrigerator division of a prominent technology company, had never revealed his involvement in robotics to Suzie. This revelation challenges her preconceived aversion to robots, stemming from a tragic incident involving her mother and a self-driving car.

As Suzie grapples with her conflicting emotions and uncovers unsettling truths about her husband, she finds herself entwined in a web of deceit and danger, with ties to organized crime.

An Aesthetic Marvel

Aside from its compelling storyline, "Sunny" stands out for its captivating visual aesthetic. Scenes are adorned with striking contrasts, as drab and gray backdrops are juxtaposed with vibrant pops of yellow and neon hues, creating a visually arresting representation of the show's mood and atmosphere. This unique artistic direction sets "Sunny" apart in an era where many series have succumbed to secondary viewing habits.