Urgent Review: Stream or Download “Sirens” Now!

Inspired by Molly Smith Metzler’s play “Elemeno Pea,” Netflix’s “Sirens” presents a familiar narrative in the realm of television. When Devon (Meghann Fahy) learns of her father’s early-onset dementia, she reaches out for help to her sister Simone (Milly Alcock). However, Simone’s response is minimal, sending only a fruit basket and ignoring texts. Following a troubling stint in jail, Devon finds herself on the coastal island where Simone serves as a live-in assistant to the enchanting Michaela “Kiki” Kell (Julianne Moore).

Simone is heavily involved in organizing Michaela’s annual summer gala aimed at fundraising for her bird sanctuary, seemingly captivated by the lavish lifestyle. Dressed in vibrant colors chosen by Michaela, Simone flashes bright smiles at her sister’s inquiries. Yet, despite this polished exterior, it’s apparent from Devon’s perspective that something has changed in Simone. As she attempts to maintain appearances, the seemingly perfect life around her begins to dissolve, leading these three women to navigate their own identities. By the event’s culmination, each will be challenged, with some emerging victorious while others struggle with the web of deception they’ve created.

Devon perceives Michaela’s influence as having entranced Simone, yet Devon herself is drawn into the allure of Michaela’s lifestyle. A memorable moment shows Michaela transferring her chewing gum to Simone’s mouth while commanding her staff with ease, demonstrating her power dynamics within her glamorous world, where she seems to wield more authority than her billionaire husband Peter (Kevin Bacon) by manipulating those around her.

With an impressive cast, it’s Moore who captures the audience’s attention most effortlessly. Portraying Michaela, her cheerful facade gradually reveals deeper layers—her smile can dissolve into a scowl, or become emotionless when her wishes are unmet. Like her adoring followers, she seems ensnared in a cycle of conformity reminiscent of “The Stepford Wives.” However, it becomes apparent that amidst the facade of a trophy wife, Michaela may be the character wielding the most control of all.

This dynamic of control plays a significant role in her relationship with Simone, whom Michaela coddles like a fragile bird, aiming to nurture her while simultaneously seeking to reshape her into a reflection of herself. Their connection is rife with tension, accentuated by lingering camera shots and an atmospheric score filled with uneasy gasps and sighs. As Devon struggles against Michaela’s magnetic pull, she too finds herself entranced by that lifestyle.

Mainstream television often seeks to critique wealth disparity, yet “Sirens” delves deeper into the emotional costs of such class struggles. While the series occasionally lacks sharpness, it explores how those from lower backgrounds sometimes feel compelled to sacrifice their true selves in pursuit of ambition. A striking image features Michaela gazing through a blood-covered telescope, cradling a dying bird, compelling viewers to confront the tragic plight of the trophy wife, caught in an endless cycle of suffering.

If Moore lingers like a haunting presence, Alcock moves through scenes with a frantic energy. As Simone strives to meet Michaela’s approval, her buried secrets threaten to unravel the meticulously constructed life she’s established in New York. Having removed sister tattoos and altered her appearance, Simone has transformed into someone Devon hardly recognizes. However, as both Michaela and Devon vie for the younger woman’s loyalty, it becomes evident that Simone might be the only one genuinely aware of her own identity and desires.

The strength of this series shines when it captures the complexities of class and female identity, moving beyond the sensationalism typical of shows like “The White Lotus.” In the fourth and penultimate episode, the melodrama reaches its peak, showcasing gripping exchanges between Alcock and Fahy, as well as Moore and Bacon. This series acknowledges its melodramatic roots without sacrificing authenticity. While the final episode may indulge in excess, the series still delivers a satisfying conclusion and stands out as a rare, impactful limited series, managing to deliver thrilling moments despite occasional shortcomings.

All episodes were screened for review.