Sirens Review: This wealth-porn comedy-drama shines brightest thanks to Julianne Moore’s captivating performance

Sirens is now streaming on Netflix

‘Sirens’ is a character-driven drama that unravels the quiet chaos behind seemingly perfect lives.

A blend of dark humour and social commentary

‘Sirens’ is a limited series that blends dark comedy, visual style, and emotional depth into an engaging five-episode arc. At its heart, it explores the contrast between two sisters whose lives couldn’t be more different, yet remain painfully intertwined. It dissects themes of class disparity, sibling resentment, and the ways power quietly manipulates relationships. With each episode, secrets from the past surface gradually, sustaining the intrigue. Featuring complex women characters front and center, ‘Sirens’ dives into the murkier parts of their psyche, without losing its sharp, entertaining edge. Though the series has its moments of brilliance, it often drags and feels a bit shallow, focusing more on flashy displays of wealth than truly exploring deeper issues like the class divide.

A journey fuelled by resentment

Michaela Kell (Julianne Moore) is a former high-profile attorney turned animal rights activist and philanthropist, now living in isolated luxury on an island. Her businessman husband, Peter (Kevin Bacon), is often away, and the sprawling estate is managed like a private resort. At the core of her daily life is Simone (Milly Alcock), her sharp and efficient assistant, who essentially runs the household. Simone is more than just staff—she's a confidante, gatekeeper, and, at times, enforcer. When Devon (Meghann Fahy), Michaela’s estranged sister, receives a fruit basket from Simone, it reignites buried frustration. Devon, who has stayed behind caring for their ailing father, is furious at Michaela’s prolonged silence. On impulse, she travels for 17 hours to confront her sister and demand help. But when Simone coolly refuses on Michaela’s behalf, Devon is left fuming—and things spiral from there.

Ambitious storytelling just falls short

‘Sirens’ has so much potential, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark in every way. It tries to juggle a lot—sibling tensions, class issues, romance, and buried secrets—all packed into just five episodes. The first four episodes keep you hooked with their mix of drama and humour, but the last episode takes a sudden, almost surreal turn that feels out of place and a bit confusing. That said, there’s plenty to enjoy: the show builds a beautifully detailed island world where everything feels perfectly staged. Jose, the house manager, runs the place like a top-tier hotel; the staff share meals like a close-knit family; and every party looks like it’s straight out of a fashion magazine. The stunning sets, camera work, and costumes really bring this world to life.

Performances add depth to the plot

Where the series truly excels is in its performances. Julianne Moore brings layers to Michaela—effortlessly combining charm, calculation, and fragility. Milly Alcock is a revelation as Simone, the law school dropout whose past threatens to unravel her carefully curated existence. Her descent into paranoia is both believable and gripping. Meghann Fahy delivers a raw, grounded portrayal of Devon, the sister stuck in a life of sacrifice, driven by equal parts bitterness and love. Kevin Bacon fits well into the role of the distant yet charismatic Peter, adding depth to a character that could have easily remained superficial. The performances keep the emotional core alive, even when the writing occasionally strays.

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A visually rich series that fades quickly

The show mixes in some genuinely funny moments that break up the tension just when you need it. One standout scene has Devon being awkwardly chased across a moonlit beach by three suitors, each trying—and failing—to comfort her in their own clumsy way. These lighter moments add a nice balance to the darker themes and bring an unexpected warmth. But while ‘Sirens’ is polished and entertaining, it’s more of a quick binge than something that sticks with you. It raises interesting questions about identity, control, and who really holds the power, especially in the final episode, which leaves you wondering whether Michaela or Simone is the true manipulator. Overall, it’s a smart, well-acted, and visually beautiful show you’ll enjoy while watching, but once it’s over, it quietly fades from memory. It’s like building an intricate sandcastle—impressive and captivating, but soon swept away by the waves.

Cast: Julianne Moore, Milly Alcock, Meghann Fahy, and Kevin Bacon

Directors: Nicole Kassell, Quyen Tran, and Lila Neugebauer

Rating: 3.5/5

(‘Sirens’ is streaming on Netflix)