Review: Apple TV+ thriller Sugar is probably the coolest TV show ever ☆☆☆☆☆

“Sugar” is the latest new original drama from Apple TV+ to star a Hollywood A-lister. This time, Colin Farrell takes the lead.

“Sugar” is a contemporary, unique take on one of the most popular and significant genres in literary, motion picture and television history: the private detective story. Academy Award nominee Farrell stars as John Sugar, an American private investigator on the heels of the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel, the beloved granddaughter of legendary Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel. As Sugar tries to determine what happened to Olivia, he will also unearth Siegel family secrets; some very recent, others long-buried.

Nobody makes TV like Apple. Here, we have 8 episodes of a noir drama which looks as good as anything you’ve ever seen in a cinema. Every shot is beautifully crafted, every element of lighting has clearly been agonised over and every frame composition is immaculate. There are constant elements of suspense, close-ups, scenarios which will absolutely captivate you and just look phenomenal on screen.

Speaking of which, Farrell brings his A-game to this. He has the look and the charm of a classic 1950’s Private Detective. His swagger, mannerisms and actions are magnificent to watch and make this world so believable.

And what a world it is. “Sugar” is set in the present day but manages to bring a real sense of classic Hollywood. That’s aided by one of the coolest, slickest soundtracks we have heard in a long time. You will want to book flights to LA the minute you’ve finished watching the first episode. It is iconic and has never looked so good on screen. There’s a real homage to Hollywood and Los Angeles, not only in the setting but also in the narrative, with Sugar being a film buff, it just makes for some really nice moments.

Lazy critics might call the plot slow, but there are eight episodes here to explore a captivating story and that means there’s no need to rush things. By the end of the first episode, you will be hooked and will just want to keep watching and watching to see how things unfold.

And the reward comes half way through the season with a twist. And what a twist it is. It’s one that puts this drama above the rest, refusing to follow convention and ensuring viewers are rewarded with genuine originality.

It’s dark, it’s moody, it’s original and it’s captivating. There HAS to be a second season. They don’t make dramas like this any more and it’s really quite beautiful.

“Sugar” starts Friday, 5 April 2024 exclusively on Apple TV.