Humans are full of imperfections and they filter into their creations. They are also duplicitous. These are both themes that Katie Robbins’ darkly funny adaptation of Colin O’Sullivan’s novel examines through the palpable misadventures of Suzie (Rashida Jones), a woman in grieving following the loss of her husband Masa (Hidetoshi Nishijima from Drive My Car) and son in a plane crash. As Suzie clambers across the Machiya-lined streets of a near-future Kyoto in search of answers she meets dangerous characters and makes new friends – one of whom just happens to be a robot named Sunny (voiced by Joanna Sotomura) who was programmed by her husband.
1960s Japanese noir and pop art are wonderfully embraced in this lush looking TV show where modern anxieties on a rapidly changing world and the impact of AI are filtered through a distorted lens and layers of secrecy. It’s never quite clear who can be trusted and it’s that sense of mystery that keeps things interesting. The great supporting cast all represent different noir archetypes, but to say who is who would be to give the game away. Bartender Mixxy (annie the clumsy) comes into Suzie’s life at her lowest ebb, providing comfort and company and Hime (You), a yakuza mob figure is terrifying in her measured cruelty. Jun Kunimura and Judy Ongg also get their moments to shine and are equally entertaining.
The design of Sunny is similar to Asimo crossed with the mechanics of Johnny 5 from Short Circuit. Personality-wise she is a kind helper like Baymax from Big Hero 6, and is sweetly voiced by Joanna Sotomura. Suzie and Sunny’s dynamic is greatly amusing to watch, especially when jealousy creeps in as the robot’s sentience grows.
Each of the ten episodes builds on character and intrigue but by the end, the series veers too close to comical in its tone and feels rushed in its conclusion.
Sunny will be released on Apple TV+ on 11 July.
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