Apple TV+ Just Dropped Season 2 of Its Gorgeous Neo-Noir Show – and It's Still a Visual Treat
Even if you aren't a fan of detective stories, the visuals alone offer pure aesthetic pleasure.
In 2024, Sugar, starring Colin Farrell, emerged as a standout hit for Apple TV+. This stylish neo-noir with an unexpected sci-fi twist captivated us with its Old Hollywood atmosphere, charismatic protagonist, and measured yet engrossing narrative.
Fortunately, the release of a second season has not diminished the show's signature charm: Farrell continues to cruise through Los Angeles in a convertible, quote classic cinema, and wear stylish suits.
What Is 'Sugar' Season 2 About?
Private investigator John Sugar finds himself completely alone. His friends and loved ones have left Los Angeles, but he has chosen to stay in the California he has grown to love. To stave off loneliness, he takes on a new case.
Danny Moon, a talented boxer, approaches him. Moon's brother, Ji, has vanished without a trace. Ji had also boxed but never achieved major success, instead, he fell in with dangerous people and developed a drug habit.
As Sugar searches for Ji, he uncovers a web of corrupt police officers and an illicit drug-trafficking operation. Along the way, he gains two allies: Val, a young thief, and Tom, a seasoned law enforcement veteran.
Season 2 of 'Sugar' Remains a Neo-Noir With a Cinephile's Soul and Impeccable Style
As in the first season, Sugar continues to revel in film noir – he invariably recommends Casablanca to new acquaintances and recalls scenes from The Lady from Shanghai. John's love of film makes the character surprisingly grounded and relatable.
He doesn't just speak passionately about Humphrey Bogart's talent: he also mimics the mannerisms of his favorite characters. In this sense, Sugar is a heartfelt homage to classic 1940s and 1950s crime films – a neo-noir that looks back to the genre's finest examples.
The creators employ Dutch angles and frequently intersperse scenes with clips from cult classics. They weave cinema into the very fabric of the narrative. Sugar doesn't just watch movies, he thinks in terms of scenes from them.
Visually, the second season is every bit as impressive as the first. The cinematography, color palette, and attention to detail transform every frame into a work of art.
'Sugar' Season 2 Might Seem a Bit Too Cautious, but the Show's Charm Is Still Hard to Resist
Despite a change in the creative team, the producers managed to maintain the visual style and overall atmosphere of the first season. Colin Farrell remains the star attraction – without his charisma, the show would undoubtedly lose half its charm.
However, the creators play it safe with the follow-up, replicating the first season's formula for success too precisely – while the ingredients are still good, the sense of novelty is gone.
It's as if the creators are afraid to venture off the beaten path, offering a familiar (albeit high-quality) dish instead of making bold new choices. Nevertheless, Sugar remains an enjoyable, stylish series that is perfect for a binge-watch.
