Milly Alcock and Julianne Moore are spellbinding in the gripping dark comedy 'Sirens'

I recently found myself utterly charmed by "Sirens" on Netflix, a darkly comedic gem boasting an exceptional cast. If you haven’t seen it yet, what are you waiting for? 

Besides the first-rate acting and skilful direction, I was thoroughly bowled over by the well-etched characters.

Curious? Here's a breakdown for you.

The five-part series, which is created by Molly Smith Metzler and is based on her “Elemeno Pea” 2011 play, takes place at Cliff House, a remote, affluent estate on the island of Port Haven.

Simone DeWitt (Milly Alcock) is living her best life as Michaela "Kiki" Kell’s (Julianne Moore) personal assistant. But their bond transcends professional boundaries.

They are kindred spirits of perfection, joined at the hip. Simone lives to please Kiki, who, in return, is very protective of Simone. 

Although Kiki, a former lawyer and second wife to billionaire Peter Kell (Kevin Bacon) loves her protégée, who is always at her beck and call, the staff at the estate feel differently. They find Simone's condescending attitude and irrational commands offensive.

Meanwhile, Simone’s sister Devon (Meghann Fahy), who has been caring for their ailing father Bruce (Bill Camp), who has early-onset dementia, learns about her whereabouts and shows up to “save” her. 

Devon believes Simone is in some sort of cult. 

Of course, her arrival couldn’t come at a worse time for Simone, who is busy planning a “Vanity Fair” photoshoot focused on Kiki’s bird sanctuary, followed by a lavish bird funeral.

Devon, with her striking punk rock aesthetic and unapologetically rebellious demeanour, definitely stands apart from the crowd.

Her arrival causes undue duress for Simone and, when an observant Kiki notices this, she offers Devon $10 000 to leave. 

Kiki gets Jose (Felix Solis), the manager at Cliff House, to drive her to a closeby hotel. 

Meanwhile, Simone is also anxious about Kiki finding out about her relationship with Ethan Corbin III (Glenn Howerton), the eccentric neighbour and close friend of the Kells.

Amid the frenzied planning for the upcoming event, Kiki suspects Peter of stepping out on her and gets Simone to spy on him. 

“Sirens” offers a fly-on-the-wall perspective of the world of the insanely rich, their lifestyle, eccentric behaviour, paranoia, as well as insane demands. 

A distinctly unsettling feeling permeates the series, hinting at something more malevolent lurking beneath the surface of Kiki's connection with Simone.

Again, it’s a testament to the talented writers ensuring that every episode leaves the viewers on tenterhooks.

Moore steals the spotlight with her commanding presence. It is giving Nicole Kidman from “The Perfect Couple”. Assertive yet controlling, nurturing yet deceptive – she is a complex and intoxicating character. 

Don’t be fooled by Alcock’s youth, she holds her own against the inimitable Moore. She delivers a sublime performance evolving from a doe-eyed mentee to a masterful manipulator. 

Fahy does well in drumming up a fair amount of conflict with her wayward character. Having proven her acting chops in “The Bold Type”, “The Perfect Couple and “The White Lotus”, she delivers drama and then some. 

A veteran, this role is a walk in the park for Kevin. 

Overall, this is a delicious series with a befitting ending, even though many viewers were floored by it. 

Rating: 4/5 **** a standout series with exceptional qualities.

Below are similar must-see offerings:

"The Better Sister"

Directed by Craig Gillespie, this thriller, adapted from Alafair Burke’s 2019 novel of the same name, stars Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks. The story centres on two estranged sisters, who are forced to put aside their differences when one of their husbands is murdered. This is showing on Prime Video. 

"The Perfect Couple"

A Nantucket setting provides the backdrop for a story about a lavish wedding thrown into chaos by a sudden murder.

It stars an ensemble cast of Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Eve Hewson, Billy Howle, Meghann Fahy, Donna Lynne Champlin, Jack Reynor, Michael Beach, Ishaan Khatter, Sam Nivola, Mia Isaac and Dakota Fanning. This is on Netflix.