Like the mythical creatures that inspired its name, Netflix’s Sirens offers a polished, alluring façade — yet underneath, it harbors something far more disturbing.

Upon first viewing, Sirens seems like a kindred spirit to highbrow dramas such as Big Little Lies and The White Lotus. It features an outstanding cast — Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, and Milly Alcock — set against a backdrop of lavish homes and sun-soaked shores. Showrunner Molly Smith Metzler (Maid) strives to delve into profound themes of class, trauma, and power. However, while the series flirts with these substantial subjects, it seldom plunges deeply, instead favoring a narrative that heavily embraces melodrama without fully realizing its more serious goals.

What is Sirens about?

The narrative kicks off with Devon (Fahy), who is reeling from her second DUI and learning that her father (Bill Camp) has early-onset dementia. In desperation, she reaches out to her estranged younger sister, Simone (Alcock), seeking support. Simone’s reply? A fruit basket and a note that says “keep your chin up.” Offended and exasperated, Devon travels to the exclusive island where Simone now resides and serves as a personal assistant to the mysterious philanthropist Michaela “Kiki” Kell (Moore).

But Simone’s involvement in Michaela’s life extends well beyond her professional duties. She oversees Michaela’s estate, crafts her sexts to her husband Peter (Kevin Bacon), and even shares chewing gum with her for fresh breath. Their bond is unsettlingly intimate — a relationship that immediately unnerves Devon.

Resolved to save her sister from what she perceives as a toxic connection, Devon finds herself out of her element in Michaela’s privileged world, particularly during the high-stakes Labor Day weekend. As she attempts to pull Simone away, long-buried family secrets and troubling rumors about Michaela start to emerge. The outcome is a series of dramatic turns that, while entertaining, often lack emotional depth.

Strong performances enhance Sirens — but is that sufficient?

Sirens truly shines when it embraces its darkly humorous, soap opera origins, largely due to its cast. Moore and Alcock form a captivating pair, exuding unsettling Stepford Wives vibes in their pastel attire and coordinating athleisure. Alcock’s Simone radiates wide-eyed devotion, while Moore fully embodies Michaela’s frigid, cult-leader presence. (Whether Michaela’s bird conservation group is genuinely a cult remains one of the show’s unresolved questions — though the answer is lackluster.)

Fahy’s rendition of Devon presents a stark contrast to the polished images of Simone and Michaela. She is bold, cynical, and unhesitant in calling out the absurdities surrounding her. Her rawness reveals a more authentic side of Simone, illuminating the sisters’ shared traumas and the emotional wounds of their history.

Nonetheless, Sirens struggles with consistency in tone. It oscillates from sharp satire — Glenn Howerton stands out as a sleazy neighbor — to heavy-handed portrayals of mental health issues, such as Simone’s panic attacks. The series also ventures into familiar territory with its examination of predatory relationships and power dynamics. The interactions between Peter, Michaela, and Simone unfold predictably, and what is intended as a shocking twist feels more like a well-worn trope.

Despite its shortcomings, Sirens presents some thought-provoking ideas. True to its moniker, the series engages with the notion of women being perceived as both enticing and perilous. Each of the three leads is labeled as “monsters” at different points, even while navigating systems that work against them. A recurring joke involving two hapless suitors pursuing Devon — seemingly entranced by her “siren song” despite her obvious disinterest — adds a clever touch of mythology.

These moments suggest a more intricate series, one that investigates the chasm between perception and reality. Regrettably, with only five episodes to explore, Sirens lacks the time — or possibly the focus — to thoroughly investigate these themes. The result is a series that is stylish and intermittently sharp, but ultimately superficial.

Sirens is now available for streaming on Netflix.