Milly Alcock and Julianne Moore are spellbinding in the gripping dark comedy 'Sirens'
Milly Alcock as Simone and Julianne Moore as Michaela in 'Sirens'.
Image: Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025
I recently found myself utterly charmed by "Sirens" on Netflix, a darkly comedic gem boasting an exceptional cast. If you haven't seen it yet, what are you waiting for?
Besides the first-rate acting and skilful direction, I was thoroughly bowled over by the well-etched characters.
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Curious? Here's a breakdown for you.
The five-part series, which is created by Molly Smith Metzler and is based on her 'Elemeno Pea' 2011 play, takes place at Cliff House, a remote, affluent estate on the island of Port Haven.
Simone DeWitt (Milly Alcock) is living her best life as Michaela "Kiki" Kell's (Julianne Moore) personal assistant. But their bond transcends professional boundaries.
They are kindred spirits of perfection, joined at the hip. Simone lives to please Kiki, who, in return, is very protective of Simone.
Although Kiki, a former lawyer and second wife to billionaire Peter Kell (Kevin Bacon) loves her protégée, who is always at her beck and call, the staff at the estate feel differently. They find Simone's condescending attitude and irrational commands offensive.
Meanwhile, Simone's sister Devon (Meghann Fahy), who has been caring for their ailing father Bruce (Bill Camp), who has early-onset dementia, learns about her whereabouts and shows up to 'save' her.
Devon believes Simone is in some sort of cult.
Of course, her arrival couldn't come at a worse time for Simone, who is busy planning a 'Vanity Fair' photoshoot focused on Kiki's bird sanctuary, followed by a lavish bird funeral.
Meghann Fahy as Devon and Milly Alcock as Simone in 'Sirens'.
Image: Macall Polay/Netflix © 2025
Devon, with her striking punk rock aesthetic and unapologetically rebellious demeanour, definitely stands apart from the crowd.
Her arrival causes undue duress for Simone and, when an observant Kiki notices this, she offers Devon $10 000 to leave.
Kiki gets Jose (Felix Solis), the manager at Cliff House, to drive her to a closeby hotel.
Meanwhile, Simone is also anxious about Kiki finding out about her relationship with Ethan Corbin III (Glenn Howerton), the eccentric neighbour and close friend of the Kells.
Amid the frenzied planning for the upcoming event, Kiki suspects Peter of stepping out on her and gets Simone to spy on him.
'Sirens' offers a fly-on-the-wall perspective of the world of the insanely rich, their lifestyle, eccentric behaviour, paranoia, as well as insane demands.
A distinctly unsettling feeling permeates the series, hinting at something more malevolent lurking beneath the surface of Kiki's connection with Simone.
Again, it's a testament to the talented writers ensuring that every episode leaves the viewers on tenterhooks.
Julianne Moore as Michaela, Kevin Bacon as Peter Kell in 'Sirens'.
Image: Macall Polay/Netflix © 2025
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Gumbi is the interim Chief Executive of KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority. His views don't necessarily reflect those of the Sunday Tribune or Independent Media SUNDAY TRIBUNE
