I Can't Believe Julianne Moore Agreed to Star in "Sirens"!

Referring to a television show as "soapy" doesn't automatically make it terrible. The term soapy can imply bubbly entertainment, whimsical light-heartedness, and delightful sentimental value. However, when I refer to Netflix ' s new five-episode dark comedy series Sirens soap-like, I assure you it’s not meant as praise. Actually, it’s quite schlocky.

Reviewing the cast list, this could be quite unexpected. An Oscar and Bafta victor is part of it. Julianne Moore Michaela "Kiki" Kell, portrayed as an ethereal billionaire trophy wife, takes center stage. She is wedded to hedge fund tycoon Peter, skillfully acted out by Golden Globe winner Kevin Bacon.

House of the Dragon ’ As Milly Alcock portrays Simone, Kiki’s assistant and dear friend, whose seemingly flawless existence takes an unexpected turn upon the reappearance of her long-lost sister Devon. The White Lotus breakout star Meghann Fahy He arrives at his boss's island retreat.

Why – or rather, how – are these brilliant actors in a sub-par Netflix series? I’d imagine it’s got more to do with their bank balances than their artistic integrity, given the fact that every single one of them is above this cheap material.

Devon’s arrival at Kiki’s island mansion couldn’t come at a worse time for Simone, who is organising a series of high society events over Labour Day weekend.

However, Devon has valid grounds: their father’s dementia has advanced quickly, and she requires Simone to return home and assist with his care. Yet, Simone doesn’t intend to abandon her employer’s side anytime soon, prompting Devon to grow wary of what seems like an unusually close sibling bond between them—sharing not just personal items but even sleeping arrangements.

This opens up an exciting possibility of competition for Simone’s affection between Devon and Kiki. Additionally, hinting at the idea that Kiki may possess supernatural charms affecting people around her adds another intriguing layer to the story. Sirens holds the promise of being distinct from Netflix’s typical fare. However, by the conclusion of the second episode, this potential has been wasted.

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Rather than concentrating on those main tense relationships, Sirens expands its scope as broadly as it can. Valuable time is spent on Simone's hidden connection with Peter’s wealthiest pal; meanwhile, considerable attention goes to interactions with Kiki’s crew who appear mainly to narrate the plot as it moves forward slowly. The conflict arising from Devon’s prior bond with a person tied down in marriage competes with his burgeoning affair with Peter’s aide on the island, leading to a subplot that detracts from instead of enhancing the main storyline.

Not that there truly is a main storyline. If questioned about it Sirens Actually, providing a clear-cut response might be challenging. Primarily, it serves as a story about fractured sibling relationships and the captivating influence that riches can wield over an individual. However, for the majority of the narrative, Sirens is simply more Netflix filler, meant to be watched while you're busy tapping away on your smartphone.

The show has inconsistent tones as well. It abruptly introduces very heavy topics such as suicide, failed infanticide attempts, child abuse, miscarriages, drug use, and mental health issues, which clash jarringly with its lighter, humorous aspects. This leads to an unsettling mix that makes for a bewildering viewing experience, occasionally bordering on distressing.

Sirens The biggest blunder, nonetheless, lies in squandering talented actors. It’s clear that Moore delivers a captivating portrayal as an enticing billionaire and dominates each moment she appears on screen; yet, one can’t help wishing her character was driven towards outright villainy. Rather than being transformed into a potentially deadly—or perhaps mystical—antagonist, Kiki ends up merely becoming another despondent homemaker bound by wealth. Although Alcock and Fahy share incredible chemistry, their tearful reunions as siblings occur too infrequently throughout the film.

Kiki often tells Simone, “If something isn’t beneficial, release it.” It can be challenging to determine the purpose. Sirens is serving.

'Sirens' can be streamed on Netflix.