Almost all of Youngstown was shot on the Canon 50mm 1.2L with a variable ND and yes, wide open and yes, a choice.
For lighting, I had a flexfill and an Aputure Light Storm LS1s. I also had the 24-70, 70-100 and 100mm macro but only used them for a couple shots each.
Jethica is almost entirely the Canon 35mm 1.4L with a circular polarizer and the DOF isn't extreme like in Youngstown so maybe that'll be more up your alley.
For lighting, I had a flexfill and an Aputure Light Storm LS1s. I also had the 24-70, 70-100 and 100mm macro but only used them for a couple shots each.
Jethica is almost entirely the Canon 35mm 1.4L with a circular polarizer and the DOF isn't extreme like in Youngstown so maybe that'll be more up your alley.