SPOILER ALERT: This story contains spoilers from all five episodes of “Sirens,” now streaming on Netflix.
Hey hey! Starch your pastels and delete all your incriminating texts — Molly Smith Metzler‘s new black comedy series “Sirens” is now streaming on Netflix. Adapted from Metzler’s 2011 play “Elemeno Pea,” the series follows Devon (Meghann Fahy), a prickly, blue-collar New Yorker who visits her sister Simone (Milly Alcock) at the ritzy Nantucket-ish estate owned by Simone’s glamorous boss, Michaela (Julianne Moore).
Though Devon visits Michaela’s island, intent on chewing Simone out for leaving her alone to take care of their aging father, Bruce (Bill Camp), Devon quickly becomes suspicious of the strange, cult-like behavior at her sister’s new job.
Uncovering Dark Secrets
While ducking the prying eyes of Michaela’s all-seeing house manager, Jose (Felix Solis), Devon works to uncover the truth about what’s going on at Cliff House and why Simone (who gets the special privilege of calling Michaela “Kiki”) is so attached to her mysterious boss. Over the course of one candy-colored weekend, Devon discovers a sordid affair buried in Michaela and her husband Peter (Kevin Bacon)’s mysterious past and races to free her sister from their clutches before she is brainwashed into the coastal elite for good.
The Meaning of the Ending
Ahead of the series’ Netflix debut, Variety spoke to “Sirens” creator Metzler about the murky lines between hero and villain, the double meaning in the show’s title, and why ultra-rich New Englanders are so obsessed with Lilly Pulitzer.
At the end of the series, Simone has replaced Michaela at the top of the food chain, in a cycle reminiscent of how Michaela ended up with Peter in the first place. Metzler explains, “Part of it is intentional — this is an adaptation inspired by the sirens of Greek mythology, a tale as old as time. We open the show with a shot of Julie on the cliff and close it with Simone in the same place. This suggests that the story will continue endlessly.”
Kevin Bacon’s Unique Role
Casting Kevin was remarkably smooth. Metzler has stated, “We thought, ‘Who would be amazing as Peter? Kevin. Do you think he’d do it?’ And he said yes!” This illustrates how integral Bacon is to the narrative, offering a grounded presence while representing substantial power.
“Peter isn’t in the play,” Metzler reveals. “I was creating this role for the first time with Kevin, which was really exciting.” As she describes Bacon off-screen, he exhibits warmth and humility, countering the stark power his character wields in the series.
Simone: Hero or Villain?
The convoluted nature of Simone’s character evokes a compelling question: Is she a hero, a villain, or both? Metzler mentions, “That’s the question I’m interested in: How are they heroes and villains of their own stories?” This layered perspective fosters a rich discussion about morality and self-perception throughout the series.
Adapting the Stage to Screen
Transitioning from the stage to screen, Metzler describes the transformation quite vividly: “The play is a five-character, 90-minute piece, all within one room. The vibrancy of this world—the cliff, the island, all those visual elements—was extraordinary to bring to life.” The expanded storyline introduces more characters and broader settings, enhancing emotional depth.
Cultural Significance of Clothing
“Sirens” features a noticeable aesthetic spotlighting Lilly Pulitzer attire, which evokes the high-society ambiance of Nantucket. Metzler shares her personal experiences in the region: “I spent a summer in Martha’s Vineyard, and I’ve noticed how ingrained Lilly Pulitzer is in the culture there.” This attention to detail allows for an authentic representation of the coastal elite lifestyle.
Exploring Family Dynamics
The plot thickens around the tension between Devon and Simone, particularly regarding their aging father. Metzler notes this storyline reflects modern issues concerning caregiving amidst economic disparity: “A lot of people are in a position like Devon: You have aging parents, and suddenly it’s your new job, without financial resources.”
Double Meanings and Symbolism
The title “Sirens” has a double meaning, referring to both the sisters’ code for help and the mythological connotations that echo throughout the series. Metzler astutely links these elements together: “It just coalesced and landed in my lap.” The multifaceted title enriches the narrative, layering it with deeper philosophical inquiries.
Overall, “Sirens” presents a riveting exploration of societal layers, personal relationships, and the perennial struggle between good and evil. As viewers delve into the complexities of its characters, they are afforded the opportunity to reflect on their own definitions of heroism and villainy—all while being entertained by a stylish and humorous narrative.