SIRENS (2025) – Splashing Through Satire and Complexity on the Shores of Privilege

If you think you’ve seen enough shows about the unraveling of America’s wealthy elite, think again—because “Sirens” deftly proves there’s still plenty of fresh water in those oft-visited pools. Rather than merely re-treading tired tropes, this five-episode limited series reinvents the genre with smart writing, an irreverent tone, and an ensemble that elevates every wave of drama and comedy.

At its center is Julianna Moore as Kiki, a self-styled socialist and animal-rights crusader, who also happens to be married to a multi-billionaire. Kiki’s exaggerated, almost theatrical presence might seem ripe for ridicule, yet Moore infuses her with an authenticity that commands both devotion and skepticism. Her personal assistant Simone (Milly Alcock), unwaveringly loyal, anchors Kiki’s eccentric orbit—until Simone’s older sister Devon (Meghann Fahy) arrives for an impromptu intervention. Devon’s mission? To “save” Simone from what she deems a bizarre and possibly toxic attachment to her boss.

The opening episode or two may feel awkward as you acclimate to the show’s quirky rhythms, but once the characters’ complexities come into focus, “Sirens” is irresistible. Credit Molly Smith Metzler’s sharp script for layering every interaction with both wit and meaning. In a landscape littered with one-dimensional “heroes” and “villains,” this series delights in ambiguity: every character here is a mix of virtue and vice, making their choices all the more compelling.

It would be far too easy for “Sirens” to reduce Kiki to a caricature of out-of-touch privilege. Instead, she’s depicted with surprising warmth and genuine compassion—her tragic flaw is not cruelty, but an inability to trust those closest to her. Moore delivers a nuanced, powerhouse performance, but the rest of the cast more than hold their own. Fahy brings her signature intensity to Devon, though she risks being typecast as the “guest at a lavish resort” after turns in “The White Lotus” and “The Perfect Couple.” Alcock, best known from “House of the Dragon,” shows remarkable range as Simone, embodying both vulnerability and strength. Kevin Bacon deserves special mention for his understated, quietly effective portrayal of Kiki’s billionaire husband—a flawed but sympathetic figure.

Curiously, the recent Emmy nominations singled out Fahy as lead actress but overlooked both Moore and Alcock, a baffling omission given their standout performances. Sadly, Julianna Moore does not get the recognition she deserves enough. She has always been consistent in delivering powerful performances and she does it again so effortlessly here. Stop giving Nicole Kidman all the accolades for once.

Visually, the series is a treat: its sun-soaked beach estate setting is captured with lush cinematography, and the soundtrack accentuates both tension and humor. As the finale approaches, the stakes build to a crescendo—leaving viewers torn between delight and melancholy at the fates of these richly drawn characters.

“Sirens” may begin with familiar chords, but its clever execution and refusal to settle for easy answers make it a must-watch. It’s a sharp, empathetic series that reminds us: even in paradise, the human condition is never far below the surface.