Full Breakdown
Angelina Jolie Stars in New Thriller "Sunny"
12/3/2025, 9:32:30 AM
Overview of the Film
Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie has begun production on "Sunny," a dark thriller directed by Eva Sørhaug, known for her work on "Tokyo Vice" and "Yellowjackets." The film, produced by Gramercy Park Media, A Higher Standard, and Nickel City Pictures, centers on a female gangster who must protect her sons and herself from an abusive drug kingpin. Following a devastating event, she has only hours to devise a plan for their escape.
Key Contributors
The screenplay for "Sunny" was penned by William Day Frank, who collaborated with Sørhaug on the story. The film is being produced by Nathan Klingher of Gramercy Park Media, alongside Jolie, Mark Fasano from Nickel City Pictures, and Jeffrey Greenstein of A Higher Standard. A Higher Standard is also managing worldwide sales, with WME Independent co-representing domestic sales.
Production Insights
Fasano described Jolie as “a tour-de-force,” emphasizing that audiences will be surprised by her portrayal of a character entrenched in a violent world, driven by the instinct to protect her family. Klingher noted the rarity of strong, character-driven thrillers and praised the attention to detail that Jolie and Sørhaug have infused into the project.
Angelina Jolie's Recent Work
Jolie has recently garnered Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award nominations for her role as opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s "Maria." In addition to "Sunny," she is involved in several upcoming projects, including "Couture," a fashion week drama directed by Alice Winocour, the comedy "Anxious People" by Marc Forster, and "The Initiative," a spy thriller that reunites her with director Doug Liman.
Eva Sørhaug's Background
Eva Sørhaug is a Norwegian filmmaker recognized for her psychological thriller "90 Minutes," which premiered at the 2017 Toronto Film Festival. Her recent television work includes directing episodes of "Ann Rice’s Talamasca: The Secret Order" for AMC, as well as contributions to "Tokyo Vice" and "Yellowjackets."
Why It Matters
"Sunny" represents a significant addition to the thriller genre, particularly with its focus on a female protagonist navigating a perilous environment. The film's exploration of themes such as survival and maternal instinct may resonate with audiences seeking depth in character-driven narratives.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Calling Jolie “a tour-de-force,” Nickel City’s Fasano told us, “People are going to be shocked by what she brings with this riveting character.” — Mark Fasano, Nickel City Pictures
- “ Watch on Deadline Gramercy Park’s Klingher added, “Angelina has made this role uniquely her own.” — Nathan Klingher, Gramercy Park Media
As production continues, "Sunny" is poised to attract attention for its compelling storyline and the strong performances expected from its lead actors.
