Colin Farrell Enters a New Era of Noir
in Apple+’s “Sugar”

Detective John Sugar Unveils LA Mysteries in New Noir Series

Summary

Colin Farrell slips into the shoes of a quintessential film noir detective in Apple+’s vibrant new series, “Sugar.” Set against the modern backdrop of Los Angeles, this series reignites the age-old genre with a burst of color, steering Farrell’s character—a private investigator riddled with personal turmoil—on a mission to locate a movie mogul’s lost granddaughter. Clinching the Golden Globe for best actor with his recent role in “The Banshees of Inisherin,” Farrell has long admired the noir style, steeped in the shadowy underworlds of 1940s and 1950s cinema, characterized by its morally ambiguous characters, smoke-swirled streets, and an overarching sense of doom—all captured in stark monochrome.

In “Sugar,” Farrell plays John Sugar, whose quest not only upends his life but also enriches the show’s narrative with an exemplary homage to the genre’s classic features. Premiering this Friday, “Sugar” deftly blends the vivid allure of Los Angeles with the atmospheric tension of old-school Hollywood noir. Actors, including Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Ruby—the contemporary and sharp-witted manager to Farrell’s detective—were thrilled by the series’ post-production surprises, which amplified their own on-screen performances with unexpected elements such as voiceovers and artistic editing, previously unbeknownst to them during filming.

Reflecting on the production, Farrell recalled moments of awe as he navigated the nocturnal city streets under the guidance of cinematographer Cesar Charlone, bringing an authentic sense of wonder and gratitude to his experience on set. “Sugar” promises to deliver not just a revival of film noir but also an imaginative reinterpretation that celebrates the drama and thrill of the genre with a fresh, colorful twist.