Sunny Season 1 Episode 3 Review: Mmmm, Hinoki

Sunny Season 1 Episode 3, “Mmmm, Hinoki,” finds Suzie and Mixxy on a dangerous path as they uncover Masa’s potentially shady dealings that could’ve led to his death. It’s a slower, more methodical affair than the premiere, planting narrative seeds as we dive deeper into this mystery. 

Mmmm, Hinoki 

“Mmmm, Hinoki” boasts a strong opening, and we see more of that A24 flair in full force. It leans into the show’s inherent darkly comedic roots, even as we hear the bloodcurdling screams of Mixxy’s sweet friend as the Yakuza take him out. 

Additionally, this opening sets up a crucial character from Masa’s past—Himé, played to perfection by YOU. She encapsulates her character’s formidable nature, that “speak softly and carry a big stick” energy. 

How Do You Grieve?

From there on out, “Mmmm Hinoki” struggles to maintain the same tone, although we see glimmers of it in the Suzie/Mixxy/Sunny scenes. Despite the tonal inconsistencies, Sunny plays to its strengths in this episode. Grief is one of this series’ cruxes, as is evidenced in the Suzie/Noriko exchanges. 

We see a clash of cultures and traditions, with Noriko insisting that mourning is only legitimate in an official capacity — in a ceremony with friends and family. She fails to comprehend Suzie’s grieving as the latter struggles to get out of bed for weeks. 

This isn’t to pass judgment on Noriko but to showcase the myriad ways one can grieve culturally, traditionally, and personally. While attending Masa’s funeral might begin the closure process, Suzie will never truly find it until she picks apart the seemingly double life her husband led. 

The Enigma of Sunny

Joanna Sotomura continues to knock it out of the park as the voice of our titular bot. Her vocal performance is surprising in its colors and textures. Based on her voice, one might assume Sunny was a tangible, living, breathing human being.

While Sunny seems steadfastly loyal to Suzie, an undercurrent of tension makes you think the robot could snap at any moment, particularly in the scenes when she’s irritated with Mixxy. 

Rashida Jones steers this ship with a dependable performance, and while we don’t get to see as much from her in “Mmmm Hinoki,” I imagine we’ll get more versatility as the season unfolds. Judy Ongg delivers strong work as Noriko. The complex relationship between Noriko and Suzie is fun to watch onscreen. 

The final moments of “Mmmm Hinoki” set the stage for the remainder of Sunny, peeling back intriguing layers to the Masa mystery. I wish the episode were longer, but the creative team packs each moment with necessary narrative information. It’s not one to snooze to; these intricate details will undoubtedly play a larger role in what’s to come. The outing’s slower pacing is deceptive in that regard. 

Here’s hoping we get more murder-sex-bot, A24-infused antics. 

Stray Observations: 

• For the uninitiated, “hinoki” is a Japanese cypress, or Chamaecyparis obtusa. 
• The beginning of the episode with Himé and that poor manicurist is unadulterated A24 — a pleasant conversation about past boyfriends while choosing a fake finger as your muscle beats a poor illegal code dealer to, presumably, death. 
• Who doesn’t want a murder-sex-bot? 
• I love the heightened score during the Suzie/Himé scene at Masa’s funeral. Himé’s hair obscuring her face gives her an air of mystique and makes her imposing. 
• Sunny is such a sassy bot. Her sassiness almost makes me want one … almost. 

What did you think of this episode of Sunny? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Sunny drops new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV+.

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