‘Sirens’ Season 1 review: Drama can be so alluring

Can a sisterly bond withstand the allure of power and wealth? Netflix’s new mysterious miniseries Sirens explores how intoxicating a life of riches can be, even to the detriment of family bonds. Or more specifically, how access and ambition can expose the inner demons that were there all along.

Sirens is a gripping 5-episode miniseries that shines thanks to its complex character study and dynamic cast. While its tale of old money corruption isn’t new, the journey of the DeWitt sisters will have you emotionally hooked by its final scene.

Money is thicker than blood.

At the heart of Sirens is a complicated family story. Sirens follows destructive older sister Devon (Meghann Fahy, White Lotus) as she tries to convince her sister Simone (Milly Alcock, House of the Dragon) to leave her job and return home to help their ailing father. Unfortunately, Simone refuses as she prefers to stay as the personal assistant to ultra-rich billionaire wife, Michaela “Kiki” Kell (Julianne Moore). The miniseries dives deep into Devon and Simone’s complicated past, the trauma from their father, and the weird cult-like environment at the Kells’ rich estate.

But the foundation of the story is built on the sisters’ dynamic. Fahy and Alcock have amazing chemistry together; the nuances of their personalities flow effortlessly into every scene they’re in together. For example, while being destructive and no-nonsense in her own life, Devon is unabashedly determined to protect Simone. This works for and against her, even going so far as to sacrifice parts of herself to prioritize Simone. On the other hand, Simone has built up walls to protect herself from her traumatic past, lying to craft a safe version of her life. She strives for something better, but she’s developed a crippling fear that everything could be taken away.

The DeWitt sisters are two sides of the same coin, and Sirens does a great job of unpacking the layers that formed before this reunion. The answer of simply taking Simone away from Port Haven isn’t an easy one. Devon’s life back in Buffalo isn’t any better as an alternative, and the reality of their shared history isn’t an easy weight to simply let go. Sirens’ deep character moments keep you emotionally invested in wanting these sisters to grow and reaffirm their bonds.

Queen on a chessboard.

Michaela is the interesting wildcard in the mix, serving as both a villain and an antihero. In Sirens, Michaela is presented as a former lawyer-turned-socialite and mysterious figure with everyone wrapped around her finger. She’s developed an extremely close sisterly-like bond with Simone, which adds to the tension with Devon, who suspects evil is afoot. Below the surface, Michaela is also a hurt person dealing with unspoken issues in her marriage to Peter Kell, the old-money billionaire played by Kevin Bacon.

Moore does an incredible job of balancing Michaela’s ethereal and complex sides. One moment, she’ll be exuding effortless light energy, speaking about letting go and her bird sanctuary, but the next, she’ll be pained by the lies within her world. Michaela is the type of character that you’re not sure if you can fully trust. Her intentions to protect Simone sound lovely, but can you believe it? Sirens does a great job of keeping you uncertain about anyone’s true motives, especially Michaela and her alluring world in Port Haven.

The price you pay.

Speaking of the plot, the themes of classism and ambition are felt throughout the miniseries. Sirens feels like you’re stepping into an opulent world of power and old money, one that looks picturesque from the outside but cold and complex on the inside. Particularly, the set design was immaculate. The estate looks ultra-wealthy and stylish, like it was pulled from the pages of a magazine. The scenic views and coastal manor bring memories of hit shows like Revenge or The Perfect Couple, so if you love a story about rich coastal families causing lots of chaos, Sirens will fit right at home.

Though without giving any spoilers away, Sirens will have you reflecting on the characters’ choices and what you might do instead. You may not like their final decisions, but it showcases what needs and aspirations some people may hold deep inside them. And that perceptions about anyone may not be as right as assumed – some villains may be hiding in plain sight. There’s always a price to pay when you’re going after something more, including those you hurt to get what you want.

Overall.

Sirens on Netflix is a juicy drama you can’t help but binge quickly. The dynamic performances from its main cast strengthen the strong writing and complex character beats throughout the miniseries. Its underlying mystery will get you hooked, but it’s the unfolding drama between the chaotic characters that will keep you coming back for more. And even if the final truths get a tad messy, the journey between everyone at the Kells’ estate makes this an indulging treat.

Sirens is available to stream on Netflix.

Justin Carreiro

Justin is a fun-loving geek living in downtown Toronto, Canada. He’s an avid TV buff, movie fan, and gamer. He’s written for publications like Entertainment Weekly’s The Community, Virgin, TV Fanatic, FANDOM, The Young Folks, and his blog, City Boy Geekiness.