Netflix’s Sirens is a glossy, five-episode drama that combines dark humor, family conflict, and the lure of extreme wealth. While the show sometimes gets lost in its stylish presentation, it’s the strong acting—especially by Julianne Moore—that truly gives it life.
Sirens: A Story of Sisters, Secrets, and Resentment
At the center of Sirens are two sisters who couldn’t be more different. Michaela Kell (Julianne Moore) is a former high-powered attorney who now lives a quiet life as a wealthy animal rights activist. She’s tucked away in a luxurious island estate, seemingly removed from the chaos of the real world. Her life looks picture-perfect—too perfect, really. But just under the surface, things aren’t as calm as they seem.
Then there’s Devon (Meghann Fahy), her estranged younger sister. Devon has stayed behind to care for their sick father and struggles with feelings of abandonment and anger toward Michaela. When she receives an unexpected gift from Michaela’s assistant, it opens old wounds. Fed up and frustrated, Devon decides to travel all the way to Michaela’s island home for a confrontation—and that’s when things start to unravel.
The Women Who Hold the Power
Much of the story is driven by the women in Michaela’s orbit. The most important of them is Simone (Milly Alcock), Michaela’s smart, no-nonsense assistant. Simone does more than manage the household—she keeps Michaela’s world running. She’s a loyal gatekeeper, but also fiercely protective and even intimidating at times. Her role becomes even more important as the tension between Michaela and Devon grows.
As Devon pushes to reconnect with her sister and demands support, Simone becomes a wall between them. Her calm refusal to let Devon in shows just how much control she really has over Michaela’s life—and possibly even over Michaela herself.
A Stylish World Full of Quiet Drama
Sirens looks beautiful from beginning to end. The setting—a private island filled with designer clothes, elegant parties, and luxurious homes—feels almost like a dream. The estate is managed like a five-star resort by Jose, the house manager, and the staff feels more like a tight-knit family than just employees.
The show has a sharp eye for detail. From the perfectly set dinner tables to the dreamy beach scenes, everything looks carefully curated. The camera work and costumes help create a world that feels both distant and captivating. But while it’s visually stunning, sometimes the style overshadows the story.
A Show That Doesn’t Always Deliver
The first few episodes do a good job of building tension. Secrets slowly rise to the surface, and the characters’ hidden pain and past mistakes begin to show. The blend of dark humor and emotional drama keeps things interesting, and the show moves at a decent pace.
However, the final episode takes a turn that feels strange and out of place. It becomes a bit surreal, leaving viewers confused instead of satisfied. While Sirens tries to explore deep themes like class divide, family pain, and emotional control, it often stays on the surface, distracted by its glamorous setting.
The Cast Brings the Story to Life
What really holds Sirens together is its cast. Julianne Moore gives an unforgettable performance as Michaela. She brings depth to the character, showing her as both charming and deeply guarded. You never quite know what Michaela is thinking, and Moore makes that mystery feel real.
Milly Alcock, as Simone, is a standout. Her character’s journey—from cool and composed to slowly unraveling—is one of the most compelling parts of the series. Her performance is sharp, emotional, and at times, chilling.
Meghann Fahy adds heart and grit to Devon. Her anger, vulnerability, and deep sadness come through in every scene. You feel for her, even when she’s being messy or impulsive. And Kevin Bacon, playing Michaela’s distant husband, adds a layer of complexity to a role that could have been forgettable.
Funny Moments Lighten the Mood
Even though Sirens deals with heavy topics like guilt, resentment, and emotional manipulation, it manages to squeeze in some humor. One particularly funny scene involves Devon being awkwardly pursued by three men on a beach, each of them clueless about how to comfort her. These small moments of comedy are well-timed and add balance to the show’s more serious tone.
Sirens: A Beautiful Show That Doesn’t Fully Stick
Sirens is definitely a show that’s easy to binge. It’s polished, well-acted, and visually stunning. It raises questions about power, identity, and who really controls whom—but it doesn’t always go as deep as it could. By the end, you may be left wondering whether Michaela or Simone is truly in charge, or whether they’re both just trapped in their own carefully built worlds.
While it may not leave a lasting emotional impact, Sirens is an entertaining watch. It’s like a beautiful sandcastle—lovely to look at, enjoyable in the moment, but likely to fade once the tide comes in.
