Hollywood Insider- ‘Sirens’
Director Nicole Kassell blends mythology and modern feminism in Netflix’s ‘Sirens,’ crafting a seductive, psychological drama that flips the narrative focus on women.
Nicole Kassell’s latest project, ‘Sirens,’ offers more than just a retelling of Greek mythology. It’s a seductive, psychological unraveling of power, identity, and femininity, rooted in myth but propelled by a modern, feminist lens. Known for her award-winning work on HBO’s ‘Watchmen’ and the chilling film ‘The Woodsman,’ Kassell has a knack for diving into layered stories. With ‘Sirens,’ she teams up with writer Molly Smith Metzler, director of ‘Maid,’ to build a female-fronted tale of self-discovery, control, and mythic rebirth, now streaming on Netflix.
A Plot Anchored in Mythology (Without Too Many Spoilers)
The story follows Devon (Meghann Fahy), a burnt-out woman from Buffalo, who sets off to find her estranged sister Simone (Milly Alcock), now living on a remote, exclusive island under the wing of socialite Michaela “Kiki” Kell (Julianne Moore).
What starts as a mission to bring Simone home to care for their ill father (Bill Camp) quickly spirals into something stranger. The island isn’t just a glamorous escape—it’s a world built on secrets, rituals, and a nearly mythological reverence for its queen bee, Michaela.
From the very first episode, it’s clear that Kassell isn’t afraid to get a little weird, a little campy, and a whole lot mythic.
The word “Sirens” instantly evokes the seductive creatures from Greek mythology who lured sailors to their doom with enchanting voices. That imagery is fully embraced here, not just metaphorically but aesthetically and psychologically.
Kassell goes as far as a filmmaker can to ensure no detail is missed. From the humming and layered female vocals embedded in the series’ score to the hypnotic pace of the storytelling, the show feels as if it’s even pulling its audience into the mystery of it all.
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Reclaiming Greek Mythology Through a Female Lens
Traditionally, Greek mythology has centered on male-driven heroism—think ‘Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief’, ‘Hercules’, or ‘Troy’. Now aside from ‘Medusa’, most of these films center around the men in the stories.
These tales typically frame women as obstacles, temptresses, or victims. Kassell and Metzler challenge that archetype, grounding their series in mythological symbolism while placing female agency at its core.
What makes it stand out is how much fun they clearly had with it. Kassell packed in all the hidden Easter eggs (Yes, it’s a nod to the first episode when Meghan Fahy calls everyone “Easter eggs” — intentional.), leaned into the theme of female power, and flipped the narrative. In a way, it almost feels like DC’s ‘Wonder Woman’, where Gal Gadot brings her own brand of heroism to a superhero world usually dominated by the Chris Hemsworths and Henry Cavills.
Kassell’s spoken love for Greek mythology and her art history background served as her guiding light throughout the project.
‘Sirens’ imagines what it means to be the Siren—to hold the power of allure, mystery, and persuasion, all while maintaining their beautiful and alluring presence.
This is especially evident in the styling and cinematography.
WATCH THE TRAILER of the Film and the Revolution: ‘Can I Go Home Now?’
The Children Around the World Continue to Ask the question
‘Sirens’ Turns Styling, Cinematography, and Setting Into Living Characters
‘Sirens’ thrives on intentional choices—from costume and lighting to sound design and pacing—that weave myth and modernity together.
Julianne Moore’s Michaela drifts through the Cliff House (also a nod to the rich, wealthy, and powerful) in goddess-like gowns, her control over Simone almost religious. Simone’s preppy, pastel outfits scream “Martha’s Vineyard,” while Devon crashes the island looking like she stepped off the set of ‘Wednesday’. This sharp, deliberate contrast visually reinforces themes of transformation, belonging, and feminine power.
In one particular scene, Michaela tells Simone, “What would I do without you?” to which Simone softly replies, “Find another assistant.” Michaela responds back, “No, I could never live without you.” The camera lingers just a second too long, zoomed in on Simone’s expression, highlighting the ambiguity—is it love, power, manipulation? The effect is intoxicating.
Director Nicole Kassell has mentioned in various interviews that Jonathan Demme’s ‘Silence of the Lambs’ was a key influence. Using direct camera angles, the show heightens psychological tension and shifts in power, pulling you deep into the emotional undercurrents.
Shot in the Mediterranean-like landscapes of the fictional Cliff House island, the location plays a major role in establishing tone and tension.
It’s serene and stunning on the surface, but as the story unfolds, it begins to feel increasingly isolating and cult-like. The characters constantly reference the exclusivity of the resort, the wealth, the power, the isolation—and for good reason.
Like a modern-day Olympus, this island is a mountaintop from which Michaela rules. It creates an atmospheric unease, one amplified by Kassell’s use of direct camera angles that mimic the intimate, almost invasive style of Jonathan Demme’s ‘The Silence of the Lambs.’
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Current Trends and Comparisons
‘Sirens’ joins a growing trend in Cinema, genre-bending series that blur the line between drama, satire, dark twists, and mystery. Think ‘The White Lotus,’ ‘Nine Perfect Strangers,’ or even the eerie elegance of ‘Another Simple Favor.’
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Cast and Crew Information:
Director: Nicole Kassell | Writer: Molly Smith Metzler
Main Cast: Meghann Fahy as Devon, Milly Alcock as Simone, Julianne Moore as Michaela “Kiki” Kell, Kevin Bacon as Peter Kell, and Bill Camp as the father
Subtle hints for upcoming shows related to ‘Sirens’:
‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ just released its second season on Hulu.
‘The Perfect Couple’ has officially announced that a second season is in development.
‘The White Lotus’ left audiences in shock with its finale but has already confirmed a return for season 4.
By Emma Gladstone
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Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
