Imagine facing the unexpected silence of your sister, whom you’ve nurtured all your life, as she retreats to an upscale island, aligning herself with a mysteriously affluent housewife and a philanthropist who operates an aviary rescue — a woman whose aura suggests cult-like control. This predicament is the gripping premise of Meghann Fahy‘s character, Devon DeWitt, who arrives on a bustling New England island, Edible Arrangement in hand, aiming to reconnect with her estranged sister, Simone, portrayed by Milly Alcock, in the intriguing series Sirens. Crafted by Molly Smith Metzler (known for Maid), Sirens unfolds over a whirlwind weekend at summer’s end, compelling the DeWitt sisters to confront their personal conflicts while navigating the enigmatic presence of Michaela Kell, played by Julianne Moore, who is not only Simone’s boss but also a captivating figure with a potentially dark agenda.

Explore the Intriguing Plot of ‘Sirens’

As the series unfolds, we discover that Devon (Fahy), the elder of the DeWitt sisters, is grappling with numerous personal challenges. The opening scenes depict her fresh out of jail, desperately reaching out to her younger sister. She manages the care of their father, Bruce (Bill Camp), who is facing memory decline, while simultaneously being entangled in an affair with her married superior and former high school boyfriend, Ray (Josh Segarra). In stark contrast, Simone (Alcock) resides on a pristine and upscale New England island, working under Michaela (Moore) and her husband, Peter (Kevin Bacon). She is also secretly involved with Peter’s best friend, Ethan (Glenn Howerton), while seemingly embracing the lifestyle of a personal assistant to Michaela, whom she affectionately nicknames “Kiki.”

Adorned like a contemporary Barbie, wielding influence over the household staff, Simone enjoys privileged access to the stunning Cliff House. Although she conceals her less glamorous origins, the truth begins to surface when Devon confronts her at the Kells’ residence. Believing that Simone is ensnared in a cult, Devon is resolute in her decision to remain and rescue her sister from Michaela’s grasp. However, the situation proves to be far less sinister than anticipated, and as the weekend progresses, buried family secrets and unresolved issues erupt into chaos. Tensions escalate, provoking harsh exchanges, leading to a confusing conclusion where the lines between heroism and villainy blur.

Complex Female Characters Take Center Stage in Molly Smith Metzler’s ‘Sirens’

From the very first episode of Sirens, it becomes clear that creator Molly Smith Metzler is unafraid to delve into the lives of complex and flawed female characters. Fans of her earlier work on Maid will recognize this theme, but in Sirens, Devon and Simone embody a unique blend of messiness. Both women are unapologetically sexual beings, with Ray aptly noting that they have a tendency to consume men and discard them. While Devon resorts to sexual encounters as a coping mechanism, Simone perceives her relationship with Ethan as a fleeting summer romance and a potential gateway to an improved life.

Initially, Simone presents a cheerful and flawless facade, but her imperfections begin to emerge upon Devon’s arrival, revealing the intricate complexities of their characters. Conversely, Michaela, who appears perfectly polished and almost angelic, gradually reveals her layers, proving to be a multi-dimensional character rather than merely an aloof trophy wife fixated on saving Peregrine falcons and charming her admirers.

Milly Alcock’s portrayal of Simone is deeply enriched by her character’s intricate background, which becomes increasingly apparent upon rewatching, as viewers grasp the roots of her insecurities and her urgent desire to preserve her seemingly perfect existence. Among the trio of actresses, Alcock shines as the unexpected standout of Sirens, skillfully conveying Simone’s emotional spectrum and hidden complexities. Her interactions with Moore, Fahy, Bacon, Howerton, and Camp showcase her remarkable ability to hold her own against a cast of seasoned performers, proving she is far from a novice.

Through the lens of Devon, Simone, and Michaela, the audience experiences moments designed to evoke empathy, yet there are equally challenging instances that make it difficult to fully support their journeys. Fahy, Alcock, and Moore adeptly portray their characters, embracing the emotional intensity of their neurotic tendencies while intertwining moments of restraint that hint at their pasts without revealing every hidden secret.

‘Sirens’ Faces Challenges in Maintaining a Consistent Tone

Despite its exceptional character development, Sirens often struggles with its tonal shifts. At the outset, the series presents an almost ethereal quality surrounding Michaela and the Cliff House, creating a hypnotic allure that captivates those around her, especially Simone and, to some extent, Devon. Elements such as prophetic dreams and unsettling visions intertwine with interactions that hint at an undercurrent of horror. This intriguing approach would be effective if the show didn’t quickly descend into a more grounded narrative.

This disparity results in Sirens feeling like two distinct series at times. One narrative arc dives into the mysterious and potentially sinister persona of Michaela Kell, blending dark comedy with mystical themes, while the other focuses on the real-life struggles women face in a patriarchal society and the sacrifices they must make to pursue their desires. The latter storyline emerges as the more compelling of the two, capturing the essence of the series, even as the allure of the former remains captivating.

Some of Sirens‘ most compelling and eerie moments arise from Alcock’s serene exchanges with Moore, where she affectionately refers to Michaela as “Kiki,” blurring the lines of their employer-employee dynamic. Yet, as the plot unfolds, these intriguing elements fade as we delve into Michaela’s past and her relationship with Peter. While this revelation is somewhat disheartening, hinting at a bait-and-switch rather than a genuine discovery, it ultimately reveals Michaela to be just another woman entangled in a wealthy man’s life, rather than the enigmatic figure viewers were led to believe.

Why ‘Sirens’ Deserved More Episodes to Fully Explore Its Themes

What ultimately hinders Sirens from achieving the same level of success as Maid is its limited episode count, which fails to allow sufficient time for the development of the multifaceted themes it introduces. Characters grapple with anxiety and panic attacks, navigating discussions about diverse socio-economic backgrounds, and experience the complexities of class dynamics between Simone and the household staff. The narrative touches on childhood trauma and the intricacies of age-gap relationships, presenting a plethora of engaging ideas, yet the series struggles to fully explore them due to its brevity.

With just five episodes, the storytelling feels rushed, leaving viewers wanting more depth, particularly in the relationships between Devon and Michaela. The unexpected revelation of Michaela’s past highlights her similarities with Devon and Simone, deepening our desire to understand her journey. The same yearning applies to Devon, whose relationships with men and her father are ripe for exploration. While Simone stands at the story’s core with the richest backstory and nuances, we are left craving her perspective. The season’s conclusion hints at a new and potentially troubling chapter for her, yet we are left in the dark about her future.

Ultimately, Sirens possesses immense potential. It delivers comedic moments that resonate, thought-provoking scenes that challenge societal norms for women, and highlights the intricate storytelling techniques of Metzler. However, with its limited episode count, the series never fully takes flight, falling short of its remarkable potential.

Sirens is now available for streaming on Netflix in the U.S.