Letters to the Editor: Smoking has a comeback on the big screen

'Every puff on screen isn’t just a prop — it’s a message'

On-screen smoking seemed like a relic not long ago — a reminder to audiences that society had made progress. But with films like Materialists and TV shows like The Bear treating cigarettes as supporting characters, it feels like we’re stepping backward. File picture: PA

It appears that smoking is Hollywood’s latest comeback star. Lately, I need a puff of my inhaler after watching a new film or TV show.

On-screen smoking seemed like a relic not long ago — a reminder to audiences that society had made progress. But with films like Materialists and TV shows like The Bear treating cigarettes as supporting characters, it feels like we’re stepping backward.