Nina Conti (Family Tree) isn’t monkeying around in Collider’s exclusive trailer debut for the comedy creative’s film, Sunlight. While audiences have known her and seen her perform on stage and in front of the camera as an actress, comedian, and ventriloquist, her latest project gives her another hat to wear — that of a filmmaker. The title, which is presented by the legendary Christopher Guest, not only marks Conti’s feature-length directorial debut but also blends her famed ventriloquist act with a screenplay co-penned alongside her co-star and frequent collaborator, Shenoah Allen (Breaking Bad). The first look at the trailer reveals one woman’s attempt to leave her toxic relationship behind and move towards new opportunities. She’ll just get there in her own way — which means staying hidden underneath a giant monkey suit.
At the top of the teaser, we meet Roy (Allen), a man down on his luck and at a crossroads in life. Packing up and hitting the road in his Airstream, Roy’s surprised when he wakes up to find that his camper has been hijacked by Jane (Conti), a woman in a monkey suit. Hesitant at first, Roy embraces Jane and all of her quirks, and Jane does the same for him — which includes tagging along while he digs up his dead father so he can yell at him. Throughout their off-the-rails road trip, the pair grows closer to one another and a romance begins to blossom, but before they can truly fall in love, they’ll both need to let their guards down and Jane will — eventually — need to take off the monkey suit.
Who’s Behind ‘Sunlight’?

As mentioned at the top, the inventive film is presented by Guest, who audiences will recognize as the face and brain behind such favorites as This Is Spinal Tap, Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, and Mascots. Along with starring, Conti also produced alongside Tabitha McDonald, Anyway Content’s Sam Parker, Metro International’s Will Machin, and Inspirado’s Keagan Karnes, with Guest joining as executive producer. The film contains a score by Christoph Bauschinger with additional music by Radiohead, Aphex Twin, and The Pixies. Cinematography is by James Kwan, and editing hails from Riaz Meer.
Sunlight celebrated its world premiere at last year’s Edinburgh Film Festival and will soon be arriving in New York City theaters on June 6, followed by a Los Angeles opening on June 13 courtesy of Sunrise Films. More locations will be announced at a future date.
Check out Collider’s exclusive first look at the trailer for Sunlight above.