Review: ‘Sirens’ Is the Wild Summer Series We Crave Following ‘The White Lotus’

      I strive to keep my movie-loving persona under control when I enthusiastically discuss my favorite shows, but when it comes to a star-studded cast, an engaging wardrobe, and layers of dark, hidden secrets—it's hard for me to restrain myself. During a holiday weekend while browsing Netflix for a thrilling summer watch, I was immediately captivated by Sirens. The allure of the cast alone is undeniable: Julianne Moore from May December, Meghann Fahy from White Lotus, and Milly Alcock from House of the Dragon.

      Meghann Fahy makes a triumphant return to the beachside chaos as Devon, a troubled and protective older sister. She's worried about her younger sister, Simone (Milly Alcock), who has an oddly cult-like relationship with her elite boss, Michaela (Julianne Moore). Wanting to intervene and understand her sister's choices, Devon must navigate the suspicious island, complete with its tempting vanity and luxury.

      This five-episode series is rich with themes from Greek mythology, engaging relationship drama, and deep-seated sisterly traumas that resonate on many levels, compelling you to engage. Without revealing too much, let me explain why Sirens is my current favorite streaming show.

      **My review of Sirens**

      Meghann Fahy delivers a raw depiction of the challenges that come with being an eldest daughter.

      Being the oldest daughter carries significant challenges and vulnerabilities. You often assume the role of caretaker or problem-solver for your siblings and parents, leading to anxious tendencies and blurred boundaries in relationships. As Devon states, "no one knows you like a sister," but that often comes with the cost of losing sight of who you are.

      As another eldest daughter, I acknowledge the difficulty of this role. However, Meghann Fahy's portrayal of Devon is both captivating and humorous. She balances working at a local falafel shop, caring for her father with dementia, and attempting to rescue her sister from a suspicious, cult-like figure. Devon grapples with intense anxiety as a caregiver, all while facing her own troubles as a semi-functioning, recovering alcoholic entangled in an affair with her married boss. Despite her struggles, her character remains relatable and easy to connect with.

      It's only when Devon confronts Michaela in person and experiences her supposed siren song of weaponized vulnerability that she truly understands her feelings of isolation. The many layers of conflict in Devon's life could benefit from some therapy, but for now, the audience acts as her surrogate therapist, following her engaging and sometimes unsettling character journey. Sirens lures you in like a sailor adrift, filled with suspense and cultish undertones, yet it turns the tables by prompting deep reflections, such as "What do we owe to the people who raised us?" and "Can people genuinely change?"

      The vibrant Lilly Pulitzer-style wardrobe complements the plot perfectly.

      The best shows combine intricate plots with remarkable costumes. Sirens is filled with nostalgic preppy dresses, bright florals, boat shoes, and all things fishermancore. It's interesting how connecting with a character can make you reconsider your own wardrobe. As someone who usually favors neutral tones, I never imagined I’d want to wear a Lilly Pulitzer dress, but here we are.

      Among the characters, Simone—the preppy assistant with an oddly anxious attachment to her boss—has my favorite symbolic outfits. Her tight headband, pink mini dress, and delicate accessories reflect how she masks her true self to fit into this elite environment and distance herself from her past. I'm always drawn to symbolic wardrobes, and I appreciate how her clothing aligns with her internal struggles.

      The show creatively incorporates Greek mythology themes.

      One of the aspects I enjoy most when watching a film or series is noticing subtle elements that enhance the main themes (yes, that's the movie snob in me). It's akin to having an additional story woven within the main narrative, full of puzzle pieces that when assembled, reveal much more about the characters. Sirens excels in this area, with rich symbolic elements such as mirrors (which in both art and literature are tied to vanity and the allure of worldly desires) and its telling title.

      Before watching, I wasn't fully aware of the sirens' significance in Greek mythology, but I’m glad I researched it. Sirens are often depicted as monstrous beings, alluring sailors to their doom with their enchanting songs. Sirens effectively employs this theme, with its haunting echoes throughout the episodes and cliffside atmosphere.

      So, should you watch Sirens?

      If you're still reeling from White Lotus season three and seeking fresh tropical chaos, Sirens is the ideal weekend escape. It envelops you in a richly crafted world filled with profound conflicts and shocking twists that kept me engrossed from start to finish. The fast-paced five-episode format makes it easy to consume in one go, yet you'll want to revisit it to catch the subtle hints you may have missed. While it's uncertain whether a second season will happen, I'm hopeful they'll heed my