Smoke (Apple TV+)

Apple TV+’s new drama Smoke arrives with plenty of intrigue, setting itself against a backdrop of secrets, corruption, and a community on edge. The show immediately establishes a moody atmosphere, with its shadowy cinematography and slow-burn pacing promising a story thick with tension. On paper, it has all the ingredients for a prestige hit, complicated characters, morally grey storytelling, and a simmering mystery that gradually unfolds.

Where Smoke succeeds is in its performances. The cast brings real gravitas, with the leads imbuing their characters with quiet desperation and vulnerability. Their chemistry gives even the more uneven scenes a sense of authenticity, and the show’s quieter, dialogue-driven moments are often its strongest. At times, Smoke feels like a character study in disguise, asking how far people will go to protect themselves, or the lies they’ve built their lives around.

But despite flashes of brilliance, the show sometimes struggles to maintain momentum. Episodes can feel stretched, with subplots that dilute rather than deepen the central mystery. Its heavy reliance on atmosphere occasionally overshadows storytelling, leaving some viewers waiting for sparks that never quite ignite. While the creators clearly aim for prestige drama, the execution occasionally leans into self-indulgence, sacrificing clarity for style.

Ultimately, Smoke lands as a mixed bag: engaging enough to keep you watching, but not always sharp enough to feel essential. It has moments of gripping drama and strong performances that make it worth sampling, but it doesn’t quite live up to its potential. For Apple TV+, it’s another sleek addition to their catalogue, just not one that burns as brightly as it could.

© IMDB

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