'Sugar' Review: Mark Protosevich's exciting Apple TV+ series is a must-watch for one mind-blowing episode
Contains spoilers for Apple TV+'s 'Sugar'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Sugar' premiered on Apple TV+ on April 5, 2024, and the eight-episode-long series has the world talking about it for all the right reasons.
Created by Mark Protosevich, 'Sugar' follows the journey of private investigator John Sugar (Colin Farrell), who investigates the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel (Sydney Chandler), the granddaughter of a popular movie producer Jonathan Siegel (James Cromwell).
As he investigates this disappearance, we discover the identity of John Sugar layer by layer after a twist in Episode 6 which shocked everyone.
Protosevich along with directors Fernando Meirelles and Adam Arkin pay tribute to the Film Noir era of the 1940s and 50s in this series and the character of John Sugar draws inspiration from movies of that era.
The stylized tones and the gripping narrative make 'Sugar' a beautifully crafted thriller that keeps the audience intrigued till the very end. Here's a detailed review of 'Sugar'.
Intricate character-building and great plot progression make 'Sugar' a must-watch series
'Sugar' is a masterclass in character building. The makers of the series are building a character that could have potentially been too hard to digest for the audience but by carefully peeling off the layers one after the other and carefully leaving breadcrumbs in the plot, the makers have the audience in their palms when they make the big reveal in Episode 6.
It helps that they have a plot that acts as a natural red-herring and keeps the viewer guessing right till the final episode when they finally give their audiences a payoff.
The makers also subtly comment on human nature and greed which is a recurring theme in the series. As John Sugar drives through L.A., he observes a world that he is unfamiliar with but by the end of the series, the world becomes a part of him.
Colin Farrell gives a masterful performance in 'Sugar'
Colin Farrell well and truly carries the show on his able shoulders and gives a performance that will end up being a defining one in his filmography.
The series is built on the back of his performance where he plays a man who is gifted and confused at the same time. He knows when to show restraint and when to let his emotions out freely.
Our favorite scene is the one that comes in Episode 7 when he looks inward and discovers how he has changed by being around people.
Actors Amy Ryan, Nate Corddry, Eric Lange, and Kirby play important roles and are the perfect foil for the character of John Sugar. Their performances enhance Colin's performance as they feed off each other, particularly in the conversational scenes.
Mark Protosevich creates a cult classic
'Sugar' is undoubtedly a series that will remain with its audience for a very long time. It offers something different from the point of view of its storytelling and treatment.
The direction by Fernando Meirelles and Adam Arkin is excellent. The decisions they have made concerning shot composition, art direction, and eventually editing have all worked for the series.
A special mention must go to the editors of the series as the pacing of the series and of course, the black and white throwbacks to famous films, create magic on screen.
'Sugar' trailer
'Sugar' is streaming on Apple TV+
