The city of Los Angeles has long been a character in its own right in film and television, and Apple TV’s upcoming series Sugar is no exception. The modern take on the private detective genre, starring Colin Farrell as John Sugar, brings a unique perspective to the neo-noir genre. The latest sneak peek of the series showcases the city’s kaleidoscopic nature, setting the tone for a gripping and intriguing story.
The short clip, courtesy of Entertainment Weekly, sets the scene for a noir-esque tale, with Sugar going the city’s nightlife, dispelling the notion that LA is an up-all-night town. As he puts it, after midnight, “You can come and go as you like,” hinting at the themes of freedom and anonymity that the series will explore. The black-and-white shots capturing the city’s urban terrain at night only add to the sense of intrigue, leaving viewers wondering about the nature of the series.
Directed by Fernando Meirelles, known for his work on City of God and The Two Popes, Sugar attempts to present a modern interpretation of the classic private detective genre. Meirelles’ influence is evident in the clip, as it uses the narration of the protagonist, jazz music, and changing color schemes to create a charming atmosphere. The series’ creators, Mark Protosevich and Meirelles, have aimed to make LA a prominent character in the series, evident in the way the city is showcased throughout the clip.
A Still From Sugar 2024 (Photo: Sugar 2024)
For Farrell, who plays Sugar, the character is “a keen observer of human behavior.” He notes, “There’s nowhere really more fascinating in so many different ways in the world than this city. It’s so kaleidoscopic.” This adds to the sense that the city itself is a character, and its complexities will be a major part of the story. With an impressive cast including Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Amy Ryan, Dennis Boutsikaris, Alex Hernandez, and Lindsay Pulsipher, among others, Sugar is primed to explore the urban intrigue that LA has to offer.
Sugar premieres globally on Apple TV on April 5, with the first three episodes dropping, followed by new episodes every subsequent Wednesday for the remaining five weeks. As the series delves into the noir-esque world of Los Angeles, it promises to be a gripping and intriguing exploration of themes such as freedom, anonymity, and the complexities of human behavior. With its impressive cast and unique take on the private detective genre, Sugar is poised to make a lasting impact on the world of neo-noir television.
