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CAUTION: This narrative may reveal plot points from all five episodes of the series “Sirens,” currently available for streaming on Netflix.

Hello there! Get your pastels ready for a press and erase those questionable messages, because Molly Smith Metzler’s freshly released black comedy series “Sirens” is now available on Netflix. Originally based on Metzler’s 2011 play “Elemeno Pea,” the show revolves around Devon (Meghann Fahy), a no-nonsense, working-class New Yorker who journeys to the lavish Nantucket-like mansion of her sister Simone (Milly Alcock). The estate is owned by Simone’s glamorous employer, Michaela, portrayed by Julianne Moore.

Despite going to Michaela’s island with the intention of scolding Simone for abandoning him to care for their elderly father Bruce (Bill Camp), Devon soon grows suspicious of the peculiar, cult-like activities he observes at his sister’s new workplace.

As Devon stealthily evades the watchful gaze of Jose, Michaela’s vigilant house manager (played by Felix Solis), he secretly investigates the enigma surrounding Cliff House and the reasons behind Simone’s inexplicable bond with her elusive employer.

During a vibrant three-day stretch, Devon uncovers a scandalous secret hidden in Michaela’s and her husband Peter’s (Kevin Bacon) enigmatic past. Determined to save her sister, Devon hurries to rescue her before she becomes fully assimilated into the influential coastal elite forever.

Prior to the television series’ premiere on Netflix, EbMaster held a conversation with “Sirens” creator Metzler regarding the blurred distinctions between heroes and villains, the layered significance behind the show’s title, and the unusual fascination among affluent New England residents towards 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. How did you arrive at that ending?

I appreciate your observation about the cyclical nature of our show, which draws inspiration from the eternal tales of Greek mythology, particularly the sirens. We strategically begin and end each episode with Julie and Simone standing atop a cliff, symbolizing the perpetuity of the island and the continuous unfolding of the story. It’s like the island is timeless, and the narrative will keep spinning around and around.

In me, there’s an undeniable sense of wholeness and completion when I encounter such captivating stories, and it’s the element of surprise that brings about this feeling. Yet, it’s the deception of our world that I find myself reflecting upon – the hidden traps we fall into unknowingly. In a unique twist, this narrative invites us to delve into the perspective of those often spoken of as sirens, rather than just the sailors. I believe these women wouldn’t willingly identify themselves as sirens, but they’re all unwittingly cast in these roles.

Peter is such an integral piece of the “Sirens” puzzle. How did Kevin Bacon get involved with the series?

It was effortless to secure Kevin for the part. We were thinking, “Who would make a fantastic Peter? Let’s see if Kevin would be interested?” And lo and behold, he agreed! Since Peter isn’t in the script, I had the exciting opportunity to introduce this role with Kevin Bacon for the first time. The experience was truly enjoyable.

As a movie reviewer, I found Kevin Bacon to be an exceptional portrayal of Peter in this film. Despite being well-known for his role in “Footloose,” Bacon brings a down-to-earth warmth and humility to the character that feels authentic. There’s a working-class vibe to him that makes him relatable, which is fitting considering the immense power that Peter wields.

The challenge with a character like Peter is making his power feel manageable and not overwhelming. Bacon accomplishes this by portraying Peter as a man constantly struggling against his power, trying to disarm people and give it away. The audience is left in awe of his power, but they also feel for him because he comes across as genuinely cool – just like Devon does when he says, “This guy’s cool.” It’s a performance that truly brings Peter to life on the screen.

It’s uncertain if I would label him as the villain – neither do I believe Kevin would. In the end, when he expresses his desire for love, family, goodness, and a life that matters, it seems sincere. To him, he has been victimized by an unspeakable evil.

Kiki and Devon agree on the ferry that Simone isn’t a monster, but the final shot of her on the cliffside seems to imply otherwise. Do you think of Simone as a monster?

The question I find intriguing is: In what ways do they become both heroes and villains within their own narratives? I’m eager to listen to various perspectives regarding the conclusion. We examined numerous versions of Simone on that precipice, and we chose the one we did because it carries a hint of the mysterious allure of the Mona Lisa.

She’s subtly ambiguous about her emotions in that instant, making it challenging to fully decipher what she might be feeling. While I have my interpretation, I appreciate the uncertainty we create for the audience, as it leaves room for thought and introspection. Are the individuals we label “monsters” in our lives truly deserving of such a label? Or are we unknowingly playing the role of antagonist? Could they be victims too? What, after all, is a monster?

“Sirens” is based on your play “Elemeno Pea.” What was it like bringing this story from the stage to the screen?

This play, penned down ages ago, is a compact 90-minute production set entirely within a guest house, featuring characters Michaela, Simone, Devon, Ethan, and Jose. Over the years, these five characters have remained constant companions in my creative journey, serving as the main cast for this project. Originally, the play was confined to a single room, but subsequent developments transformed it into a five-hour mini-series, allowing us to explore diverse locations like the cliff and the island, enriching the visual tapestry of the story.

In the play, there are characters who remain unseen:

– Introducing Peter was a significant addition.
– Devon and Simone’s father is mentioned throughout the play, but his appearance as Bill Camp added an unexpected depth.
– There are numerous aspects hinted at on stage that we don’t get to witness directly, such as the number of people who admire Michaela.
– While hearing about it on stage gives us a sense, experiencing it personally makes everything more expansive, richer, multi-dimensional, more vibrant, and more cult-like.

What’s with all the Lilly Pulitzer?

In simpler terms, I’ve spent summers in Martha’s Vineyard and more recently, Nantucket. My friend owns a house there, and it’s true. Lilly Pulitzer is not just a brand; it’s prevalent in Nantucket. The signature Nantucket red pants, a vibrant salmon color, are quite noticeable. The first time you see them, it’s like asking “Where am I?” They stand out so much. If you’ve been there, you understand the joke and know which pants to buy. Wearing certain clothing, like the dress Simone wears when we meet her, signifies a certain social status in Nantucket.

I’m utterly smitten with Lily Pulitzer designs, yet there’s a touch of over-the-top charm about them. You know, it’s almost too good to be true! Thankfully, our brilliant costume designer Carolyn Duncan didn’t just settle for the ordinary. Instead, she amplified that vibrant, saturated look – most of what you see on the show that resembles Lily Pulitzer is actually custom-made, a testament to her creative genius!

Talk about casting Simone. What were the most important traits you knew she needed to have?

Simone’s character presents quite the challenge. Milly truly shines in this role; she was the only one who could pull it off. What makes Simone stand out is that we, as viewers, are always left guessing. We’re constantly trying to decipher her actions and feelings. She withholds some information, keeping us on our toes and tugging at our heartstrings a bit.

Maintaining such a dual persona towards Michaela while keeping secrets and pretending something entirely different from your relationship with her sister is quite challenging – it’s like juggling numerous plates. She seems to be exceptionally skillful, revealing only what she wants when she wants, in her act.

A large part of Devon’s story revolves around the strain of taking care of her father. What inspired that storyline?

In the year 2025, social disparities persist in our nation, with the income gap continuing to widen. Many individuals find themselves in situations similar to Devon’s: struggling to care for elderly parents while juggling a new job, all without sufficient financial resources. This scenario allows me to explore an important topic I’m passionate about – class and socioeconomic issues.

In 2025, our nation still grapples with widening wealth gaps. Many people find themselves in Devon’s situation: they have aging parents who need care, yet lack the funds for it amidst their new jobs. This serves as an opportunity to delve deeper into my favorite subject – class and socioeconomics.

Additionally, it’s understood that you won’t face such situations alone; your siblings will be there for support. The tragic events in Simone’s childhood have led her to believe she bears no responsibility regarding her father. Is this justifiable? I can’t say for certain, but it certainly raises an intriguing question: what debts are owed to those who raised us? Can our origins be altered? Can we truly sever ties with our parents and never look back? These questions seem to be at the heart of a significant disagreement.

Explain the double meaning behind the series’ title, “Sirens.”

The two sisters share a secret password – “Elemeno Pea,” derived from the title of their play, holds a significant meaning for them. Similarly, on the series “Sirens,” they use this term as an emergency signal, essentially translating to “911, abandon all tasks, I urgently need you.

In crafting the captivating blend of Greek mythology within the title “Sirens,” an idea struck me while penning the script. I found myself exchanging the siren emoji amongst my characters, a decision that originated from an intuitive space. Perhaps it was not the emoji but rather the word “sirens” itself that held significance. This creative choice allowed for a delightful double entendre, a rare occurrence in the writing realm. It seemed as if this stroke of inspiration simply fell into my lap, ready-made and perfect.

What’s the origin of “Hey hey”?

During my summer jobs at the Yacht Club in Martha’s Vineyard, I observed a peculiar trend: people seemed to adopt similar expressions or preferences rather quickly. For instance, if one woman arrived wearing a brand-new bracelet she’d just bought in town, soon enough, many others would be sporting the same accessory.

They also used language uniquely, developing their own style of speech that spread among them. One day, Michaela expressed this phrase, and soon after, Simone repeated it. Over time, it became a catchphrase for the two of them. Honestly, I simply invented it myself.

Why does Jose call Michaela “Mi Amor”?

In the play, not many lines remain exactly the same when transferred to the series, but one consistent element is Jose’s endearing term for Michaela, “Mi Amor.” He even passes this affectionate nickname onto another character later on. I’ve always admired Jose for his romantic sentiment.

I found it significant enough to hold onto it, serving as a subtle reminder that Jose holds considerable influence within this household. His keen observation skills and silent demeanor suggest he’s privy to much more than meets the eye. He seems to be aware of secrets buried deep, positioning himself higher on the hierarchy compared to Michaela, despite initial appearances suggesting otherwise. There’s a hint of superiority in his “Mi Amor,” too.

Explain the lockets all the “sirens” wear. Are they using them to manipulate people? Are they full of drugs?

These are the lockets – not containing any drugs, but rather a unique item found on Nantucket Island. They’re known as ‘basket necklaces’, which can only be purchased there. Often, these intricate pieces contain ivory from Wales. However, they come at a high price tag due to their handmade nature. These accessories have become quite popular among the residents of both Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.

This item serves as a sign of prestige. Without it, you’re not considered part of the exclusive group. Carolyn Duncan is responsible for creating this and many other such symbols. It’s a powerful symbol of achieving success. Owning it gives you a special status, like having a secret key or a unique necklace, but it can feel a bit mysterious or secretive, almost like belonging to a club or adhering to a specific faith. You possess knowledge that others don’t.

Throughout “Sirens,” Michaela has a fascination with birds — she’s in charge of theFolger Wildlife Preservation Society. Why are birds so important to her, and the series?

In my perspective as a movie critic, the depiction of sirens in this film harks back to their ancient Greek roots, where they were a fusion of half-monster, half-woman. Over time, they’ve morphed into the more familiar, alluring mermaid figure, but it’s fascinating to see how their portrayal has evolved. This nod to mythology adds depth to the character of Michaela, who seems to identify with the rareness and uniqueness of a siren. On another note, Michaela’s life is filled with responsibilities she nurtures and cares for deeply, which makes her a ‘rare bird’ in her own right.

While sirens may appear captivatingly beautiful, don’t be fooled – they possess a ruthless nature beneath their alluring exterior. They have the capacity to inflict emotional pain and destruction, leaving your heart broken, shattering windows, and returning to wreak more havoc. In essence, sirens are not gentle or kind; instead, they embody a dangerous predator’s spirit.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-05-24 03:19