Sirens (2025) Netflix Review: An Honest and Critical Perspective

Sirens (2025), a five-episode dark comedy limited series that premiered on Netflix on May 22, 2025, is a vibrant, chaotic dive into class warfare, sisterhood, and the seductive pull of wealth. Created by Molly Smith Metzler and based on her play Elemeno Pea, the series stars Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, and Milly Alcock in a tale of two sisters entangled in a billionaire’s eccentric world. This review offers an honest and critical take on Sirens to help viewers decide if it’s worth the binge.

Plot Overview: A Wild Weekend of Wealth and Dysfunction

Set over a single Labor Day weekend at a lavish Long Island estate, Sirens follows Devon DeWitt (Meghann Fahy), a scrappy, troubled woman who travels to rescue her younger sister Simone (Milly Alcock) from the influence of her billionaire boss, Michaela Kell (Julianne Moore). Simone, Michaela’s personal assistant, is enamored with her boss’s cult-like lifestyle, prompting Devon’s intervention. The series unfolds with dark humor, family drama, and hints of mystery, exploring themes of power, class, and trauma against a backdrop of obscene wealth.

Performances: A Stellar Trio Elevates the Chaos

The cast is Sirens’ biggest asset. Meghann Fahy shines as Devon, a hot mess with heart, blending sharp comic timing with raw vulnerability. Her portrayal grounds the series, making Devon’s struggles with sobriety and family responsibility relatable. Milly Alcock’s Simone is both electric and heartbreaking, capturing a young woman torn between independence and idolization. Julianne Moore is mesmerizing as Michaela, exuding icy charisma and cult-leader vibes, though her character occasionally veers into caricature. Supporting players like Kevin Bacon (as Michaela’s husband Peter) and Bill Camp (as the sisters’ dementia-stricken father) add depth, with Camp’s understated performance particularly moving. The chemistry between Fahy and Alcock as sisters is palpable, stealing the show in their shared scenes.

Direction and Cinematography: Glossy but Tonally Uneven

Directed by Nicole Kassell, Quyen Tran, and Lila Neugebauer, Sirens is visually stunning, with Macall Polay’s cinematography capturing the opulence of the Kell estate in pastel hues and sweeping ocean views. The series leans into its “White Lotus” aesthetic, dripping with affluence porn. However, the tonal shifts—swinging from biting satire to melodrama to mystery—can feel jarring. Metzler’s script, while witty, struggles to balance these elements, sometimes sacrificing depth for absurdity. The pacing is brisk, but the finale rushes resolutions, leaving some plot threads dangling.

🎬 Top 10 Must-Watch K-Dramas: A Journey Through Korean Drama Magic

From heartbreaking love stories to jaw-dropping thrillers—these K-Dramas will keep you hooked. Dive into Korea’s best shows of all time!

Strengths: Addictive Performances and Sharp Satire

Sirens excels when it embraces its dark comedy roots. The banter between Devon and Simone feels authentic, and the skewering of the ultra-rich—think lavender-misted underwear and bird funerals—is preposterously fun. The exploration of sisterhood, particularly the sisters’ shared trauma and clashing dynamics, adds emotional weight. Fahy, Alcock, and Moore’s performances carry the series, making even its weaker moments watchable. The five-episode format keeps the story tight, perfect for a weekend binge.

Weaknesses: Overstuffed and Inconsistent

Sirens tries to be too many things—class satire, family drama, mystery thriller—and doesn’t always succeed. The cult-like elements, such as Michaela’s trio of Stepford-esque followers, feel underdeveloped and more campy than menacing. The series’ attempts at tackling heavy themes like trauma and addiction are heartfelt but often clichéd, lacking the nuance of Metzler’s previous work, Maid. The mystery surrounding Michaela’s influence and Peter’s secrets builds intrigue but resolves predictably, undermining the show’s ambitions. Some reviewers note the finale’s rushed pacing, with plot points waved off rather than fully explored.

🔍 10 True Crime Documentaries That Will Leave You Gripped (And Maybe a Little Spooked)

Get ready for real-life mysteries, shocking twists, and spine-chilling cases. These gripping true crime docs will haunt your mind long after the credits roll.

Sirens Netflix Themes

Sirens draws on Greek mythology, with its title evoking both mythical seductresses and emergency signals. It critiques the allure of wealth and the power dynamics it creates, paralleling modern billionaires with god-like entitlement. The sisterly bond between Devon and Simone grounds the story, exploring how trauma shapes relationships. While the show aims for biting commentary, it sometimes settles for soapy thrills over substantive critique, missing the incisiveness of Succession or The White Lotus.

Who Should Watch Sirens?

Fans of The White Lotus, Big Little Lies, or The Perfect Couple will enjoy Sirens for its wealth-soaked drama and stellar cast. It’s ideal for viewers who love dark comedies with a side of mystery, especially those drawn to Fahy, Moore, or Alcock. However, those expecting a cohesive thriller or deep social commentary may find it lacking. The series’ TV-MA rating and themes of addiction and trauma may not suit all audiences.

🧠 10 Lesser-Known Netflix Psychological Thrillers You Must Not Miss

Tense, twisted, and totally absorbing—these hidden Netflix gems will mess with your mind in the best way possible. Watch if you dare.

Final Verdict: A Fun, Flawed Binge

Sirens is a wildly entertaining, if uneven, romp that thrives on its magnetic cast and biting humor. Fahy, Alcock, and Moore deliver performances that make the series a compelling watch, despite its tonal inconsistencies and overstuffed narrative. It’s not as sharp as Succession or as cohesive as Maid, but its five episodes offer enough soapy fun and emotional heft to make it a worthwhile summer escape.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Runtime: 5 episodes, 50-55 minutes each
Genre: Dark Comedy, Drama, Mystery
Where to Watch: Streaming on Netflix

📺 9 Netflix Binge-Worthy Shows You Won’t Want to Miss

From sci-fi mind-benders to heartwarming dramas, these Netflix shows are dangerously addictive. Clear your weekend—you’ll want to watch them all.

Why This Review Matters

For viewers seeking an honest take, Sirens is a dazzling, flawed gem that delivers on performances and escapist fun but falls short of its loftier goals.

Watched Sirens? Drop your thoughts below or explore our other Netflix reviews for more 2025 hits!