New Netflix Series Sirens Fails to Hit the High Notes
In a fresh take on the high-society comedy-drama genre, Netflix’s latest offering, Sirens, has hit the screens, but fails to fully deliver on its promise. According to a review by the Financial Times, the show’s inconsistent tone and uneven pacing hold it back from being a truly compelling watch.
The show revolves around the story of Simone, a young and ambitious personal assistant, played by Milly Alcock, who works for philanthropist Michaela Kell, played by Julianne Moore. Simone’s role goes beyond the typical tasks of a personal assistant, as she is tasked with soothing her boss to sleep, spritzing her underwear with "lavender mist", and even helping her sext her husband, played by Kevin Bacon. As the Financial Times notes, "Simone is all too eager to go the extra mile" to please her boss, and her reward is the "special honour" of being able to call Michaela "Kiki", and spend summers at her boss’s New England island estate.
However, things take a turn when Simone’s chaotic sister Devon, played by Meghann Fahy, arrives on the scene, threatening to cause a scene unless Simone agrees to visit their ailing father back in Buffalo. The Financial Times observes that Devon "has little patience for appearances or time for the fastidious dress code and fussy house rules — no smoking, no carbs." As the story unfolds, Devon becomes convinced that Michaela is not just a philanthropist, but the leader of a cult, and that Simone needs to be saved from her clutches.
The show boasts a starry ensemble, with Julianne Moore playing a beguiling woman with an unnerving ability to enchant and intimidate almost anyone. Meghann Fahy also shines in her role as Devon, capturing the conflict between her character’s protective instincts and self-destructive streak. As the Financial Times notes, "Moore has no trouble playing a beguiling woman with an unnerving ability to enchant and intimidate almost anyone."
Despite its promising cast and scenic locations, Sirens struggles to find its tone, veering between a lightly cynical class satire and a heavier narrative about childhood trauma and family conflict. The Financial Times criticises the show for not quite cohering, stating that "the playful send-up of self-important socialites undermines the drama; the slightly overwrought family conflict dampens the comedy."
In conclusion, while Sirens is not a show to actively avoid, it is not quite as alluring as its name suggests. With an inconsistent tone and uneven pacing, it fails to fully deliver on its promise. As the Financial Times concludes, "Despite an inconsistent tone and uneven pacing, the starry ensemble and scenic locations keep things the right side of watchable. But if it’s not one to actively avoid, Sirens isn’t quite as alluring as the name suggests." Sirens is available on Netflix from May 22.
The show’s rating is ★★★☆☆, and according to the Financial Times, it is worth watching for its starry ensemble and scenic locations, but ultimately falls short of being a truly compelling watch. As the Financial Times notes, "The show too gets caught between disparate moods," and this inconsistency detracts from the overall viewing experience.
The Financial Times review of Sirens highlights the show’s potential, but also its shortcomings, providing a balanced assessment of the show’s strengths and weaknesses.
