Movies

Sunlight Review: A Quirky Road Trip Comedy That Surpasses Its Dark Moments

BBG News

Indie dramedies frequently provide an intriguing platform for investigating topics such as self-discovery and significance, especially when they reimagine conventional ideas in creative ways. Examples of this include Jim Carrey’s unique take on heartbreak through sci-fi elements in ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’, or the story of a man who finds the value of human connection after dating a sex doll in ‘Lars and the Real Girl’. Nina Conti aims to follow in their footsteps with her film, offering an enjoyable viewing experience.

The movie “Sunlight,” penned by Conti and Shenoah Allen, who also star in it, revolves around Jane, a woman yearning to flee her poisonous existence. She does this by adopting a monkey costume, which transforms into an entirely separate identity for her. In her quest for freedom, Jane encounters Roy, a radio personality she rescues from the brink of suicide. Seizing Roy’s motor home and job for a journey from New Mexico to Colorado, they embark on a road trip in search of a fresh start. Along the way, they form an unusual connection that offers them both a new perspective on life.

Sunlight Doesn’t Take Enough Time To Let Us Connect With Its Characters

For Starting Off On Such A Dire Note, It’s Bizarre How Quickly The Story Moves On

Although it was clear from the beginning that the movie’s plot would follow a predictable path, I was taken aback by how sparse the film was in allowing us to empathize with characters like Roy and Jane. It seems unusual, given that Roy’s character is introduced as a deeply troubled individual, attempting suicide in a seedy motel room while setting the atmosphere with candles and a note.

In simpler terms, Conti and Allen seem to encourage enjoyment of Sunlight rather than sadness associated with it. I understand their motivation to change the topic, but it’s disconcerting that Roy’s past challenges are not explored much beyond one scene in the movie. It feels as though they struggled to find a starting point for Roy’s journey that would logically lead him on a road trip with Jane.

Jane isn’t exempt from finding the movie’s portrayal of her characters superficial at times, as her actions often seemed inconsistent without proper explanation. However, it’s important to note that the film does provide insight into Jane’s past, giving us a clear understanding of why she adopts the monkey persona and decides on the road trip. Nevertheless, there are instances where Jane behaves in ways that contradict the traits presented earlier in the movie, leaving me questioning their authenticity. The story hints at these actions being a manifestation of Jane’s self-destructive side, but they come across as unexpected and jarring, making it difficult for me to fully accept them.

Conti & Allen’s Unique Sense Of Humor Largely Buoys Sunlight

If Not For Its Quirky Jokes, I Honestly May Have Been Too Bored

In parts, their attempts to create captivating character developments might not have been entirely successful, but where Conti and Allen’s Sunlight script truly shines is in its humor, reminiscent of the Ryan Gosling-led Lars and The Real Girl. The premise of a person donning a monkey suit to escape real-world emotional turmoil offers ample opportunities for laughter, especially when considering how such an individual interacts with society. Roy serves as our anchor, adding to the humor with his bafflement over Jane’s behavior. However, the film could have heightened this aspect by featuring more characters perplexed by her unusual actions.

As Jane and Roy interact, it’s then that the film’s humor and emotional depth truly come alive. I found myself laughing quite a bit as their comedic styles meshed, especially when Roy started to adopt the eccentricities of his travel partner. Bill Wise’s character, Wade – Jane’s ex with a toxic past whom she’s trying to escape – adds to the film’s amusing scenes, given his extreme devotion to cycling which led him to chase them across the state on his bicycle.

The Movie’s Monkey Suit Is The Perfect Mix Of Impressive, Simple Effects

It Feels Appropriately DIY

In Sunlight, what initially caught my attention was reminiscent of Jane’s monkey suit, and I must say, the design conceived by Conti and creature-effects specialist Vanessa Bastyan (from Andor) was quite impressive, drawing inspiration from the former’s ventriloquism stand-up comedy. Most of the costume boasts intricate details, while its face appears more like a homemade suit that fits well with Jane’s character and the film’s comedic tone. Its limited expressiveness enhances some jokes significantly. Although I wish the movie’s overall tone and narrative were more consistent, there’s certainly enough humor and visual appeal to keep many entertained.

Sunlight hits theaters on June 6.

Read More

2025-06-05 20:28

Previous post Crypto Heist: How BitoPro Lost $11M & Whats Next? 💸🤔
Next post Actress with a Bradley Cooper connection is unrecognizable in new glam role… can you guess who she is?