In Netflix’s new high-society comedy-drama Sirens, personal assistants go far beyond scheduling and errands. Simone (Milly Alcock), a young assistant to philanthropist Michaela Kell (Julianne Moore), not only manages her boss’s daily life but also pampers her in peculiar ways—spritzing her underwear with lavender mist, lulling her to sleep, and even aiding her in sexting her hedge-fund manager husband (Kevin Bacon). While the famously discreet Jeeves might have drawn the line at such intimate services, Simone embraces every demand with enthusiasm.
In return, Simone is granted the privilege of calling Michaela by her nickname, “Kiki”, and spending summers at the family’s lavish New England island estate. Just days before the annual Labor Day fundraiser, Simone’s free-spirited and impulsive sister Devon (Meghann Fahy) arrives unannounced, demanding Simone accompany her to visit their sick father (Bill Camp) in Buffalo. Although the news of their father’s declining mental health is troubling, Simone is more distressed by the potential disruption Devon could cause in the pristine world of Michaela and her social circle—including Michaela’s boyfriend, Ethan Corbin III (Glenn Howerton), a recurring winner of “New England’s most eligible bachelor.”
Devon, unimpressed by the curated elegance of Michaela’s lifestyle, bristles against the household’s rigid rules—no carbs, no smoking, and no deviation from perfection. As Simone urges her to leave, Devon becomes increasingly convinced that Michaela is more than a high-profile philanthropist—she might be the manipulative leader of a cult, and Simone is one of her loyal followers in need of rescue.
Julianne Moore excels in her portrayal of Michaela, a woman whose charm and intimidation operate in tandem. Meghann Fahy captures the emotional tension in Devon, caught between a desire to protect her sister and a tendency toward chaos—her second turn this year as a disruptive outsider among the New England elite, following The Perfect Couple.
The series itself wavers in tone. It blends a satirical view of the wealthy with a darker storyline about childhood trauma and the long-lasting rifts it can cause between siblings. Unfortunately, these elements do not merge seamlessly. The comedic critique of the elite undercuts the emotional stakes, while the heavy family drama dilutes the show’s more playful aspects.
Still, Sirens benefits from a strong cast and picturesque settings, which keep it engaging even when the tone falters. Though it remains watchable, the series ultimately falls short of the seductive promise its title implies.
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