Colin Farrell Will Seduce You With His Sizzling ‘Sugar’ Performance

A love letter to cinephiles and an ode to classic noir, Mark Protosevich’s Sugar follows American private investigator John Sugar (Colin Farrell) as he searches for the missing granddaughter of legendary Hollywood producer, Jonathan Segel (James Cromwell). Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Adam Arkin, the Apple TV+ drama is rich with film noir hallmarks that help heighten the series’ dreamy vibes — from moody lighting and soul-stirring jazz music to unconventional camerawork and interspersed shots of old black and white films. But at the heart of Sugar’s allure is Farrell, who immerses himself in the role of enigmatic private eye so fully you’ll forget he’s acting — and Irish!

John Sugar may be a contemporary man of mystery, but the nostalgic film buff who cruises around in a classic ocean blue Corvette feels like an old-school detective plucked from a past era. Farrell’s physical appearance — thick expressive eyebrows; slicked back hair; and clean-cut wardrobe of crisp suits, ties, suspenders, and cufflinks — lend airs of sophistication and style to Sugar’s slightly incongruous personality. The man is in a dangerous line of work, but he hates hurting people and doesn’t believe in guns. He savors alcohol, but doesn’t drink to get drunk. He just likes “the romance” of it. He’s tough, with all the trappings of traditional masculinity, but he melts at the sheer sight of a cuddly cat or dog. He’s simultaneously edgy and safe — the perfect combo for a compelling on-screen crush.

In moments of blind rage and palpable pain, like the shower scene in Episode 1 or the motel fight in Episode 2, it’s clear that beneath a handsome, hardened exterior lies a damaged man skilled at hiding what haunts him. One would assume a walking contradiction and keeper of presumably dark secrets would effortlessly repel human connection, but what sets Sugar apart from other tortured private eyes is Farrell’s remarkable ability to abandon an easy hard-boiled nature in favor of warm-heartedness.

As Sugar follows his moral compass throughout the series, the actor’s internal struggles and unshakable desire to do good are on full display. Whether Sugar is trying to give those in the wrong a second chance to do right, helping a homeless man believe in himself again, taking care — not advantage — of a drunk woman he fancies, or performing a kindness as small as catching and releasing a fly with chopsticks, Farrell shows his wheels turn in such a way that makes characters and viewers alike crave a closer connection.

Sugar’s personality and Farrell’s range are revealed in sweet, sassy, vulnerable scenes shared with Melanie (Amy Ryan) and Ruby (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), while smooth, sultry voiceovers from the actor stoke the sexiness of the series, creating a compelling level of intimacy and offering another window into the character’s calm, cool temperament. We’ve seen plenty of sexy private eyes before, but watching Farrell turn on the charm, wield wits and words as weapons, display childlike wonder over a famous film prop, keep chivalry alive, furrow his brows in frustration, and romanticize life as John Sugar is next-level.

The utterly massive twist that awaits viewers late in Season 1 of Sugar will ultimately make or break the series for early fans, but regardless of post-finale feelings, there’s no denying Colin Farrell sizzles, seduces, and shines every second Sugar is on screen.

New episodes of Sugar premiere Fridays on Apple TV+.