From the very beginning, Sugar exudes a sense of style, kicking off with a black and white sequence in Tokyo seamlessly transitioning into vibrant colors, eventually landing us in the sunny atmosphere of Los Angeles. Every element, from the understated narration to the smooth jazz soundtrack and the illuminated city streets, exudes the timeless essence of film noir.
Colin Farrell, an Academy Award nominee, takes on the role of John Sugar, an American private investigator tasked with unraveling the enigmatic vanishing of Olivia Siegel, the cherished granddaughter of renowned Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel. As Sugar delves into Olivia's disappearance, he will uncover a plethora of secrets within the Siegel family—some freshly minted, while others have long remained buried.
The series kicks off with a thrilling encounter with the Yakuza in Japan, setting the stage for the central narrative. Sugar is enlisted by Jonathan Siegel, a prominent movie tycoon whose granddaughter has vanished without a trace. As Sugar delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a family shrouded in secrecy, harboring truths they are desperate to conceal from the public eye. Amidst the tangled web of lies and hidden agendas, Sugar finds himself questioning who he can truly rely on, as the disappearance appears to be far more intricate than meets the eye.
While perusing Olivia's social media presence, Sugar uncovers a recent engagement with women's activism, a newfound interest preceding her disappearance. Additionally, he stumbles upon a video where Olivia recites dialogue from a movie, notably scripted by her late mother, Rachel, a renowned actress who tragically perished in a car accident. Delving further into Olivia's possessions, Sugar unearths compromising photographs of Rachel, suggesting a potential connection between Olivia's vanishing and her mother's tumultuous past.
Later, Sugar gains access to Olivia's vehicle and makes a startling discovery: a lifeless body concealed within the trunk. Sugar proceeds to collect the deceased man's fingerprints, leading to the revelation of his identity as Clifford Carter, a notorious criminal with a history of violence. Further investigation uncovers Clifford's involvement in the rape and murder of Carmen Vasquez.
Melanie, Bernie's former spouse portrayed by Amy Ryan, adds to the series with her portrayal of a former rock star and surrogate mother to Olivia. Her character also contributes the obligatory display of mid-century modern real estate, a staple of any crime drama set in the Southland region. After their initial meeting, Melanie gradually opens up to Sugar, sharing insights into her bond with Olivia.
However, when Sugar attempts to delve deeper into her knowledge, Melanie becomes guarded and defensive. Her reaction intensifies when Sugar presents a photograph of Clifford, leading to Melanie abruptly distancing herself from the conversation. This scenario sparks the suspicion that Olivia might have been involved in Clifford's death, with Melanie potentially aiding her in evading consequences upon learning of the incident.
The initial installments of Sugar strongly suggest another triumph for Apple TV+. The mystery exhibits a level of intelligence that promises to captivate viewers, enticing them to unravel the connections between the events Sugar is unraveling while questioning the reliability of the witnesses. As a trap is set to thwart Sugar's investigation once and for all, the intrigue deepens, ensuring an engrossing viewing experience.
New episodes of Sugar premiere Fridays on AppleTV+.
