Genre-fluid ‘Sirens' on Netflix explores varied, complex themes

The Hindu

02-07-2025

The complexities of human beings are portrayed in Sirens, where Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, and Milly Alcock entrap us in Netflix's limited series. It starts off as a dark comedy, but immerses the viewer by making us believe it could be a mystery, but ends up as a psychological group portrait of the complex characters.
The series is set in a beach estate owned by socialite Michaela Kell aka Kiki, played by Moore, and her billionaire husband Peter Kell, played by Kevin Bacon. Having felt that it might be just another drama when it started, it turned out to be a psychological mystery, which was unsettling at first but became a bingeworthy show with good visual appeal.
Kiki (Julianne Moore) lures Simone DeWitt, played by Milly Alcock, into her coastal estate to work for her. Meghann Fahy as Devon DeWitt is determined to get her sister Simone out and escape from Kiki's controlling bond and to get her help in taking care of their aging father. Devon thinks her sister Simone has a creepy relationship with her new boss Kiki, a philanthropist and animal activist who runs the island's high society. The series is told over the course of a weekend at a beach estate.
The show shows how a powerful figure can be villainized by society but the reality might be far from it. Three different kinds of women are captivating in this melodramatic dramedy. Kiki is suggested to have a magical ability to draw people to her. Simone seems to be the good-natured kid who gets allured by a wealthy lifestyle. Devon is the next-door girl who just needs a break. But who would emerge at the top? One would assume that Devon will, but the ending showed otherwise. Each one emerges from their trauma in different ways. Each character had layers that unfolded as the story progressed.
In Greek mythology, sirens are enchanting creatures known for their irresistible voices that lured sailors to their demise. Here, though, a viewer would assume Kiki is the siren. But like how everything has an end, Kiki faces her end as well. It might be better to watch the show to see who emerges into the new siren. Creator and writer Molly Smith Metzler explore varied themes in this dark comedy, which is adapted from Metzler's play Elemeno Pea. Each character parts ways in three different directions, like how the Greek God Poseidon's three-pronged trident could create storms, earthquakes and control the sea.
When someone is drawn to a certain magnetism, they get immersed in the new world. They reflect upon what's in front of them and act accordingly. Kiki's twist in the end, Simone's emergence and Devon's final acceptance shows that each one needs to forge their own path. If a psychotherapist watches this, they'd enjoy how each character transforms into personalities that their subconscious minds would idolize.
Sirens is currently streaming on Netflix.