The season finale of the Apple TV+ series Smoke, which aired on March 15, 2025, has garnered significant attention for its powerful storytelling and striking visuals. The episode concluded the arc of arson investigator Dave Gudsen, portrayed by Taron Egerton, who is also revealed to be an arsonist, and his partner, Michelle Calderone, played by Jurnee Smollett. This climactic episode has been described as the most haunting and impactful of the series.
Cinematographer Francois Dagenais contributed to the show’s visual storytelling, having worked on over half of the season’s nine episodes. He, along with creator Dennis Lehane and director Joe Chappelle, drew inspiration from the classic 1971 thriller The French Connection, directed by William Friedkin. Dagenais emphasized that while they did not aim to replicate the film’s aesthetic, they sought to emulate its energy and dramatic realism.
Dagenais noted the significance of using urban settings effectively, stating, “Something those ’70s movies do that we don’t do as much today is use long lenses to make the city feel much closer to you.” He pointed to other influential films such as Klute and The Parallax View as additional references. This approach allowed the series to create a tangible sense of place, enhancing the emotional weight of the narrative.
The finale’s emotional depth is reflected in the lighting choices made for specific characters. Dagenais explained that the lighting for Freddy, an outcast character, evolves throughout the episode. Initially, Freddy’s face is barely visible, symbolizing his struggles. Following a transformative salon visit, the lighting brightens to reflect his newfound confidence, before dimming again as his aspirations crumble. Dagenais remarked, “We have to make it clear that he has never experienced something like this,” highlighting the subtlety of this visual storytelling.
Ironically, the episode’s central set piece, depicting a forest fire, was filmed entirely on a sound stage. Dagenais expressed initial concerns about this decision, given the series’ commitment to realism. He acknowledged that shooting exteriors indoors could diminish the authentic feel of the production. “Sometimes you can just feel it on the clothes, that there’s no movement in the air,” he commented.
To achieve the desired visual effect of a forest fire, Dagenais observed real-life photographs of such events. He noted that smoke can obscure daylight, creating a nighttime atmosphere. He faced challenges with maintaining proper lighting amidst the heat generated by the set. “There was someone there the entire shoot, just checking the heat level on the lights,” he stated, underscoring the meticulous planning involved.
Despite these challenges, Dagenais received positive feedback from the show’s colorist, who remarked that the footage did not reveal it had been shot on a stage. “That was the best compliment I could get for what was, for me, a very tricky sequence,” he reflected.
As viewers await the next developments in Smoke, all episodes of the series are currently available for streaming on Apple TV+. The show has captivated audiences with its intricate character study and bold visual storytelling, securing its place as one of 2025’s most compelling offerings.
