Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
The Unusual Hollywood Detective Story You Can’t Miss
If you’re a fan of classic film noir and detective stories, you’re in for a treat with the new Apple TV+ series “Sugar.” Starring Colin Farrell as the charming yet flawed private eye John Sugar, this show takes viewers on a wild ride through the underbelly of modern-day Hollywood. But don’t be fooled – “Sugar” is no ordinary detective tale. It’s a genre-bending, mind-twisting adventure that pays homage to the greats while blazing its own unique trail.
The Stylish Premise
In the sun-drenched streets of Los Angeles, John Sugar cuts a dashing figure. A true connoisseur of the arts, he drives a vintage Corvette, speaks multiple languages, and can quote film criticism with ease. Yet beneath the refined exterior lies a troubled soul – an alcoholic with a distaste for violence, yet more than capable of handling himself in a scuffle.
When the granddaughter of a famous Hollywood producer goes missing, Sugar takes on the case, plunging headfirst into a web of dark secrets and unsavoury characters. But this is no ordinary missing person’s investigation. As the story unfolds, “Sugar” morphs into a mind-bending exploration of Hollywood’s seedy underbelly, offering a scathing commentary on the industry’s excesses and corrupting influence.
A Cinematic Masterpiece
From a visual standpoint, “Sugar” is a feast for the eyes. Director Fernando Meirelles, best known for the critically acclaimed “City of God,” brings his signature flair to the series, employing a dizzying array of camera angles and cinematic techniques that pay homage to classic Hollywood while keeping things fresh and exciting.
The performances, too, are nothing short of stellar. Colin Farrell disappears into the role of John Sugar, perfectly capturing the character’s charisma, vulnerability, and occasional lapses into self-destructive behaviour. Meanwhile, the supporting cast – including Amy Ryan, Dennis Boutsikaris, Nate Corddry, and Anna Gunn – deliver powerful turns as the wealthy, dysfunctional Siegel family, whose dark secrets fuel the narrative’s twists and turns.
A Genre-Defying Twist
But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of “Sugar” is its ability to defy expectations and subvert genre conventions. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on the story, showrunner Mark Protosevich (Thor, I Am Legend) pulls the rug out from under you, delivering a mind-bending twist that transforms the series into something utterly unique.
Without spoiling too much, let’s just say that “Sugar” evolves from a gritty detective story into a fantastical, almost fairy tale-like narrative that explores themes of escapism, identity, and the power of storytelling. It’s a bold, audacious move that might not work for everyone, but for those willing to embrace the show’s eccentric sensibilities, it’s a delightfully unexpected treat.
An Homage to Hollywood’s Past, with an Eye on the Future
Beneath its genre-bending antics and twisted plotlines, “Sugar” is, at its core, a loving homage to the golden age of Hollywood detective stories. From the hard-boiled dialogue to the stylish costuming and set design, the series is a cinephile’s dream, packed with references and nods to classic films like “The Maltese Falcon” and the works of filmmakers like Akira Kurosawa and Steven Spielberg.
Yet, for all its reverence for the past, “Sugar” never feels like a mere pastiche or nostalgia trip. Instead, it uses its classic influences as a launching pad for something entirely new and refreshing – a postmodern examination of Hollywood’s darker impulses and a celebration of the power of storytelling to transport and transform.
The Verdict
As the curtain falls on the first season of “Sugar,” one thing is abundantly clear: this is appointment viewing for anyone who loves bold, boundary-pushing storytelling. With its impeccable production values, stellar performances, and mind-bending narrative twists, “Sugar” stands tall as one of the most original and ambitious TV series of the year.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of classic film noir or simply crave something deliciously off-kilter and unexpected, “Sugar” is a sugary treat that
demands to be savoured. Just be warned – once you take that first bite, you may find yourself utterly addicted.
