Netflix’s latest limited series Sirens is a five-episode, sharp-edged blend of satire, family trauma, and social commentary that manages to be both preposterously entertaining and emotionally compelling. The show centers on two estranged sisters whose bond is tested by a superrich socialite whose life resembles a seductive, cult-like existence.
Devon, played by White Lotus star Meghann Fahy, is a caustic, self-destructive older sister juggling her father’s declining mental health, a dead-end job, and a disastrous affair. When her younger sister Simone, played by Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon), sends only a fruit basket in response to their father’s dementia diagnosis, Devon travels to confront her—ready to physically express her frustration.
What Devon finds is far more alarming. Simone has become the live-in assistant and apparent devotee of Michaela Kell (Julianne Moore), a glamorous philanthropist and bird conservationist with unnerving charisma and a billionaire husband (Kevin Bacon). Simone has embraced this elite world so fully that she calls Michaela “Kiki,” follows strict house rules, and ignores her former identity. Devon quickly suspects that Michaela is more than just eccentric—she may be a cult leader, and Simone is in deep.
Julianne Moore shines as Michaela, exuding charm, menace, and control in equal measure. As Devon tries to extricate her sister from this gilded prison, she battles staff loyal to Michaela, corrupt local police, and her own personal demons—including staying sober and managing their shared past.
As written by Molly Smith Metzler (adapting her play Elemeno Pea) alongside Colin McKenna and Bekah Brunstetter, Sirens initially lures the audience in with its campy tone and social satire. However, it gradually builds emotional weight through the complex dynamics between sisters and their shared history of trauma. The show’s wit never fades, even as the themes deepen to include sacrifice, class disparity, and the blurred line between control and care.
Supporting performances—especially Glenn Howerton as Ethan, Peter’s enigmatic best friend, and Catherine Cohen as a recurring comic foil—add humor and tension. The show balances its theatrical roots with cinematic flair, allowing for layered performances and striking visuals, especially in its use of coastal scenery and symbolic falcons.
Sirens ultimately succeeds as both an addictive binge-watch and a thoughtful character study. It is anchored by its exceptional cast and brisk storytelling, avoiding the overindulgence that plagues many streaming series. The finale offers closure while smartly setting the stage for a possible second season—something fans are likely already hoping for.
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