After delighting audiences on stage and on screen for more than twenty years, acclaimed British actress, comedian, and ventriloquist Nina Conti gives the world her feature film debut. Presented by Christopher Guest, Sunlight re-imagines “Monkey” – Conti’s most iconic character – as the human-sized alter ego of a woman on the run from a toxic relationship.
Conti stars alongside her longtime creative collaborator Shenoah Allen, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Allen, a Barry Award-winning comedian and one half of the cult comedy duo Pajama Men, plays Roy, a suicidal radio host who becomes Jane’s unlikely companion. Conti, who began her career with the Royal Shakespeare Company before becoming an inventive comedy performer, co-wrote, directed, and stars in the film, delivering a bold dual performance as both the woman and the monkey.
The film finds its comfort zone being absurd, and that’s an understatement. But while Sunlight is a highly unconventional and insane road trip movie, at its core lies a sweetness bursting at the seams. Those who have been following Conti will know that’s her stock-in-trade; she brings out the smiles at the most unexpected times and has a blast doing so.
Sunlight deals with a mixed bag of simple yet complex and semi-dark issues. Chief among them are mental health, loss, love and friendship. For a story where Roy and Jane occupy a lot of the screen, there is incredible depth that blends seamlessly with the heart and the awkward hilarity. You watch these characters grow and then they grow on you. Allen and Conti make magic in the weirdest, most heartfelt and elaborate way possible. And, above all else, the emotions feel earned.
We were thrilled to have Nina and Shenoah on the show today. So come on in, and get comfy with us on the episode of The GoSeeTalk Podcast Experience.
Set against the quirky backdrop of Albuquerque, New Mexico, SUNLIGHT is a road movie with heart, humor, and absurdist flair. Jane (Conti) meets Roy (Allen) at a low point in both their lives. Disguised in a full-body monkey suit and eager to escape her past, Jane hits the road with Roy in his Airstream trailer. As they chase a fresh start—and hatch a risky scheme to fund it—Jane’s possessive ex looms close behind. Equal parts eccentric and emotionally resonant, SUNLIGHT is a natural, inspired extension of Conti’s sell-out stage act.
Vertigo Releasing and Sunrise Films debuted SUNLIGHT in New York City theaters on June 6, followed by a Los Angeles premiere on June 13.
The film will begin rolling out to additional markets in the following weeks.
