Netflix’s Sirens promised a satirical political comedy in the vein of The White Lotus, boasting a stellar trio of Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, and Milly Alcock. Thankfully, it not only delivers on that promise but also carves out a darker, more corrosive identity of its own—making it a compelling watch for those who enjoy their satire with a bite.
A dream team
Crafted by playwright and screenwriter Molly Smith Metzler, Sirens is a sharp reimagining of her own play Elemeno Pea. The show straddles social satire, dark comedy, and a biting look at upper-class absurdities. Sure, the setting—a remote island retreat full of caricatured ultra-rich—might sound familiar, and the cheeky opening theme even nods to the quirky score by Cristobal Tapia de Veer from The White Lotus. But Metzler’s writing deftly avoids imitation.
What really sets Sirens apart is its sharper edge. The humor oscillates between awkward moments and cutting cynicism, sprinkled with slapstick visual gags—like a character guzzling water straight from a sprinkler in the middle of paradise.
The heart of the show lies in its remarkable cast. Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, and Milly Alcock bring to life three complex women, often flawed and sometimes infuriating, yet always deeply relatable. Secondary roles shine too—Kevin Bacon stands out as a billionaire grappling with an existential crisis, clearly having a blast.
On the technical side, Metzler enlisted top-tier female directors to shape Sirens’ strong visual identity. Nicole Kassell (The Leftovers, Watchmen) and Lila Neugebauer (Causeway) helm some of the most striking episodes. Visually, the show is a kaleidoscope: from campy aesthetics to intimate Sundance-style filmmaking and sharp parodies of influencer culture. Every episode bursts with inventive direction.
Class struggle, with teeth
The trailer set the tone for a scathing takedown of the obscenities of extreme wealth—and the first episode delivers with gusto. It’s one of the sharpest, funniest debuts in recent memory. The dialogue crackles with wit, introducing memorable ideas like “Rich People’s Tourette’s,” a hilarious concept born from one character’s perspective.
Beneath the laughs, Sirens explores political themes subtly yet effectively. Through Devon—who often represents the viewer’s grounded perspective—the show highlights the staggering divide between those burdened by real responsibilities (like struggling to afford a text-based therapist) and the carefree elite whose impulsive multi-thousand-dollar purchases barely raise an eyebrow.
One of the series’ strengths lies in its smart critique of new-age excesses: personality cults, hollow social causes, faux spirituality, and a seemingly benevolent patriarchy all get skewered mercilessly. Metzler doesn’t just poke holes; she blows the doors off with unapologetic force.
Notably, nighttime sequences lend a near-gothic atmosphere. The billionaire tech mogul’s sprawling mansion morphs into a modern haunted castle. Julianne Moore is filmed like a ghost, resurrecting past traumas that haunt Fahy’s character. Here, the class conflict becomes a symbolic possession—where the elites not only strip material wealth but also siphon mental strength to maintain power.
Respect the balance
Initially, Sirens seems to offer a straightforward satirical romp. But around episode three, the tone shifts dramatically toward intimate family drama. Suddenly, themes like mental load, caregiving struggles, and deep-rooted trauma come to the forefront.
A poignant quarrel between sisters Simone and Devon reveals the raw emotional core beneath the biting comedy: the desperate human need to know someone else is suffering to validate one’s own existence. It’s here that the show jolts us—reminding viewers that beyond the absurd stage of wealth and power, there are just lost souls trying to survive.
While some plot twists are predictable and a few side stories (like a paparazzo trapped in one room for an entire episode) drag on unnecessarily, the writing often surprises with its subtlety and nuanced handling of ambiguous situations.
There’s a refreshing boldness in how Sirens dismantles its initial setup. The sharp cynicism gives way to genuine drama; the biting social critique softens into bitter fatalism. The wild conspiracy subplot is abruptly dismissed as mere paranoia. This tonal pivot might frustrate some viewers but speaks to the show’s intelligence and willingness to take risks.
Sirens has been streaming on Netflix since May 22, 2025, offering a darkly comic, richly layered alternative to its satirical peers.
Meet Bill, a curious mind with a rebellious streak and a shared enthusiasm for lifestyle and culture. Like his longtime collaborator William, he’s captivated by the pulse of current events. But Bill brings a twist, he thrives on spontaneity, often following instinct over convention. His unconventional flair adds a dynamic edge to the team, making every project a little less predictable and a lot more exciting.
