After solving a case in Japan, private eye John Sugar returns to LA to help find a missing woman with ties to a Hollywood legend.
Sugar doesn't like violence. Yet he enacts violence in order to find people. He's desensitized to the world. Nothing surprises him anymore. He doesn't flinch when he discovers a body in the truck of a car. He's nervous around guns though. He also romanticizes life as depicted through classic Hollywood movies and not through his overall experiences. He has a genuine desire to connect with people and help them through their problems. He remembers people and what they are going through. He also questions why he cares so much. The voiceover provided by Sugar is tedious. At times, it's purely expositional to discuss what he's doing. It provides dialogue into the scene when it would otherwise just be Sugar pursuing clues into Olivia's disappearance. Other times, it's him essentially talking to himself. He's trying to find the perfect answer to how others must perceive his actions. He's a complex human being who has found a job that works for him. And yet, he's also immediately being told he needs a break. This life isn't good for his overall health as showcased through hand tremors.
The direction evokes intimacy as well. The camera is almost always moving. It's picking up details that would seemingly be lost if not for the specific action highlighting them. It goes in close on faces with cutaways to eyes. People aim to project control over their lives. However, Sugar has a knack of knowing when people are lying to him. Again, that comes from his experience in this line of work. He knows how to read people. Sometimes they are upfront about the deception. Other times, it's the coping mechanism to prevent their secrets from being exposed. Sugar has a mind for details. He gathers those facts. He has a strange condition where his metabolism absorbs alcohol faster than the average person. He can't get drunk. He still drinks because it too is a connection to how life is depicted in the movies. He has an obsession as he shares with Jonathan Siegel. He admires the producer. He keeps him in the loop about his progress. He judges the dysfunctional family he is now investigating. They collectively share a story. They aren't particularly close. They just want to write off Olivia as relapsing and will inevitably come home to check into rehab.
Sugar is the expert in this job though. He contends with amateurs. He knows when he's being followed. He's open to people who are honest with him. He doesn't take advantage of those in vulnerable situations. He has the capacity to change people's lives for the better simply through a brief interaction. He shows kindness to Melanie by taking her home and tucking her in. He doesn't abuse her as the stranger she misguidedly invites into her house. She accepts that as her higher power telling her she needs to change her behavior before something worse happens. Sugar cares for Melanie at her most vulnerable. He doesn't use that to uncover what she knows about Olivia's disappearance. Secrets are being kept. Melanie purposefully does that. Her ex-husband does as well. Bernie is intent on covering up heinous actions. That has been true for a long time. He has endured numerous marriages and a largely unsuccessful career as a Hollywood producer. He still has the resources to make films and cover up his son's indiscretions. None of these people are especially warm and caring. Sugar is tasked with stepping into that role. He does so even while knowing people will eventually disappoint him.
Sugar provides opportunity. He knows giving money to a homeless man will dramatically change his life. He doesn't stop there. He wants to know Carl's story. There is no shame in the circumstances that led to this point. He just has to be willing to reach out for help. Sugar has the capacity to be a transformational figure. Carl doesn't have the access to reunite with his sister. Sugar wants to remove those obstacles. He expects a call. It never comes. He nearly runs over Carl's dog. That changes the direction of his life. Instead, he has to see what has become of the man he helped the day prior. Sugar gives out his card and phones to countless people. He wants them to call. He wants to help. That's how he continues to be of service. That's the focus of his life. He doesn't aim to focus on anything else. It's all about other people. He's fine with his solitude existence. He embraces the loneliness. Ruby is the only friendship he truly cherishes. Even then, he pushes her away when she shows concern for his health. She's worried about his well-being. His hand trembles. People are following him. Yet he remains generous of spirit to strangers even when they don't know how to accept that kindness.
The actual investigation escalates quickly as well. Jonathan fears what's happened to his granddaughter. He wants answers before he dies. He also values discretion. He knows Sugar will provide that. The private investigator understands the law. He also does what he believes is in the best interest of his client. He has a duty to report the body found in Olivia's vehicle. He doesn't. In fact, it disappears completely. All that's left behind is a hair. That's enough of a clue for Sugar. He doesn't give up hope. He just wants to stop Olivia from being the next body he discovers. He cares about her because she reminds him of his sister. He can't give up. He has to take the job. He must pursue every lead no matter where it takes him. He must interact with every member of this family. They each carry clues as to what truly happened. It's an obsession. One that may ultimately compromise him in the end. He can't stop. It's a relentless pursuit of the job. That's what he does. Sugar has his charms. He's very closed off too. People around him are in danger. He prepares for knife fights. Yet he lives in a world of guns and much more lethal violence. That surrounds him. It's overwhelming. It does have an impact on his mental health. Trying to normalize it or escape to the past through films doesn't ease the suffering. It's just a futile coping mechanism attempting to fill the void of a life.
