The Deeper Meaning Behind Netflix’s Sirens

Netflix’s Sirens, a five-episode dark comedy limited series that premiered on May 22, 2025, has captivated audiences with its intoxicating blend of satire, mystery, and psychological drama. Set over a single Labor Day weekend at a lavish New England beach estate, the series—adapted from Molly Smith Metzler’s 2011 play Elemeno Pea and executive-produced by Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap—follows two estranged sisters, Devon (Meghann Fahy) and Simone (Milly Alcock), as they navigate the seductive world of socialite Michaela “Kiki” Kell (Julianne Moore) and her billionaire husband, Peter (Kevin Bacon). With a 76% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a No. 1 debut on Netflix’s English TV list, Sirens has sparked fervent discussion about its deeper meaning, particularly its ties to Greek mythology and its commentary on gender, power, and societal perceptions of women. This article delves into the profound themes of Sirens, exploring how it reimagines the siren myth, challenges traditional narratives, and reveals the human complexities behind its characters’ choices.

A Modern Retelling of the Siren Myth

At its core, Sirens draws inspiration from Greek mythology, where sirens are half-human, half-bird creatures who lure sailors to their deaths with enchanting songs. The series uses this myth as a framework to explore its female leads—Michaela, Simone, and Devon—initially presenting them as potential sirens through their allure and influence. Michaela, with her ethereal charm and control over her island estate, Cliff House, seems the most obvious embodiment, her bird sanctuary and haunting background vocals reinforcing the parallel. Devon, with her raw charisma and string of suitors, and Simone, whose ambition captivates wealthy men like Peter and Ethan Corbin III (Glenn Howerton), also fit the archetype at first glance. The show’s foggy, cliffside setting and eerie score amplify this mythological vibe, suggesting a tale of seductive women leading men to ruin.

However, Sirens subverts this narrative, questioning who the true sirens are. Showrunner Molly Smith Metzler and director Nicole Kassell emphasize that the myth traditionally omits the sirens’ perspective, framing them as monsters based solely on male accounts. In the series, this critique is central: the women are not supernatural enchantresses but complex individuals shaped by trauma, ambition, and societal pressures. The final episode, “Siren Song,” reveals that the real destructive force may be Peter, whose wealth and power manipulate the women around him, casting them as villains to justify his actions. This twist aligns with the show’s thesis: society often labels women as seductresses or monsters, while men like Peter evade accountability, steering their own ships into disaster.

Gender Dynamics and the Villainization of Women

Sirens is a sharp commentary on how women are perceived and judged, particularly in the context of power dynamics. Each female lead faces accusations of being a “monster” or siren, reflecting societal tendencies to villainize women who wield influence or defy norms. Michaela, once Peter’s mistress during his first marriage, is branded the “other woman” by his children and staff, despite Peter’s role in the affair. Her efforts to maintain her status as Mrs. Kell—through her gala, bird sanctuary, and control over Simone—make her a target for scrutiny, yet the series reveals her as a woman trapped in a gilded cage, desperate to preserve her identity. Her line, “We all work for Peter,” underscores her lack of true agency, highlighting how her power is performative and contingent on her husband’s approval.

Simone, initially an innocent assistant, transforms into a calculating figure who replaces Michaela as Peter’s partner. Her decision to marry Peter after exposing Michaela’s blackmail plot is framed as a betrayal, yet the show suggests she’s a survivor making pragmatic choices. Having grown up in poverty with an alcoholic father and a mother who died by suicide, Simone sees wealth as a lifeline, not a luxury. Her arc challenges viewers to question whether she’s a siren luring Peter or a young woman navigating a world where power is her only currency. Devon, meanwhile, is blamed by her ex, Raymond, for his marital infidelity, echoing the myth’s pattern of men projecting their failures onto women. Her raw, self-destructive charisma attracts men, but she rejects their advances, choosing family over fleeting power.

The series contrasts these female experiences with the male characters’ relative impunity. Peter discards Michaela after 13 years, just as he did his first wife, Jocelyn, who retreated from public life after a botched plastic surgery. Ethan blames Simone for his drunken fall off a cliff, ignoring his own rejection-fueled rage. These patterns reflect a broader societal critique: men in power often escape blame, while women are cast as the catalysts for their downfall. By flipping the siren myth, Sirens argues that the true danger lies not in feminine allure but in the systems—and men—that exploit and discard women.

The Code Word “Sirens” and Sisterhood

The title Sirens carries a dual meaning, also referring to the SOS code word between Devon and Simone. Established after Simone’s childhood suicide attempt, the word “siren” signals a mental health crisis, a cry for help that demands an immediate response. When Devon texts “siren” to Simone, desperate for support amid their father’s dementia, Simone’s silence—marked by an Edible Arrangement—prompts Devon’s journey to Port Haven. This betrayal of trust underscores the sisters’ fractured bond, shaped by a traumatic upbringing in foster care and poverty. The code word’s tragic weight lies in its double meaning: a call for rescue and a nod to the mythological sirens, suggesting that both sisters are drawn to and trapped by their own cries for help.

The sisterly dynamic is the emotional heart of Sirens, exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and diverging paths. Devon, the protective elder sister, sacrifices her college education to support Simone, only to feel abandoned when Simone embraces Michaela’s world. Simone, seeking escape from her past, views Michaela as a mentor and wealth as salvation, distancing herself from Devon’s working-class struggles. Their climactic farewell, where Devon accepts Simone’s choice to stay with Peter, is bittersweet. Devon’s decision to return to Buffalo to care for their father reflects her rejection of the “siren song” of wealth, prioritizing authentic connection over status. This resolution highlights the series’ nuanced portrayal of sisterhood, showing how love can coexist with irreconcilable differences.

Power, Wealth, and Moral Ambiguity

Sirens also examines the allure of wealth and power, presenting them as a modern siren song that ensnares both men and women. Michaela’s lavish estate, with its pastel-clad staff and absurd rituals like carb bans and locket necklaces, satirizes the ultra-wealthy, yet the series reveals the cost of this lifestyle. Simone’s transformation into “Michaela 2.0” by the finale—standing triumphantly in a silk dress at Cliff House—suggests a victory, but it’s tinged with irony. She’s traded her autonomy for a role that previously broke Michaela and Jocelyn, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation. The show’s final shot, with ominous music and Simone gazing at the ocean, evokes the cliffs of mythology, hinting that her triumph may lead to her own downfall.

The series avoids moral absolutes, portraying all characters as flawed and human. Michaela’s wildlife foundation, initially suspected of being a cult, is revealed as a genuine passion, complicating her image as a villain. Devon’s self-destructive habits—casual sex, addiction—stem from her sacrifices, not malice. Peter, while manipulative, is not a cartoonish monster but a man shaped by his own insecurities and privilege. This moral ambiguity invites viewers to question who the “monsters” are, aligning with Metzler’s intent to spark debate about perspective and accountability. The show’s critique of wealth extends to its societal implications, suggesting that the pursuit of status often comes at the expense of authenticity and connection.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Resonance

Since its debut, Sirens has ignited passionate discussions on platforms like X, where fans praise its clever allegory and gender commentary. Some highlight the show’s subversion of the siren myth, noting how it exposes men like Peter as the true destructive forces. Others debate Simone’s ending, questioning whether she’s empowered or trapped, reflecting the show’s refusal to provide easy answers. Critics have lauded its performances—Moore’s chilling poise, Fahy’s raw intensity, and Alcock’s fevered ambition—though some note its tonal shifts between comedy and drama can feel jarring. The series’ cultural impact lies in its timely exploration of misogyny, class disparity, and the commodification of women, resonating with audiences in a post-#MeToo era obsessed with power dynamics.

The show’s visual and auditory elements enhance its thematic depth. The pastel-soaked cinematography, haunting vocal score, and recurring bird imagery create an ethereal atmosphere, while the 108-stair descent to Cliff House’s beach symbolizes the characters’ precarious journeys. The “hey hey” catchphrase, a contagious quirk between Michaela and Simone, underscores the performative nature of their world, revealing how wealth creates its own rituals and language.

Why Sirens Matters

Sirens is more than a glossy thriller; it’s a bold reimagining of a myth that has long vilified women. By giving voice to Michaela, Simone, and Devon, the series challenges centuries-old narratives, exposing the societal biases that label women as monsters while excusing men’s failures. Its exploration of sisterhood, power, and the seductive pull of wealth offers a nuanced portrait of human choices, neither condemning nor absolving its characters. With its stellar cast, evocative visuals, and provocative themes, Sirens invites viewers to question who truly sings the song of destruction in a world ruled by power. Binge all five episodes on Netflix to uncover the deeper meaning behind this unforgettable tale.