Sirens on Netflix: Unpacking the Twists and Turns of the Dramatic Ending
The Netflix limited series “Sirens” concluded its five-episode run with a dramatic Labor Day weekend, revealing shocking betrayals and shifting alliances that irrevocably changed the lives of sisters Devon and Simone DeWitt and socialite Michaela Kell. The finale unraveled mysteries and explored the complex motivations behind the characters’ actions.
What Happened in the “Sirens” Finale?
The ending of Netflix’s dark comedy thriller “Sirens” delivered a cascade of revelations and consequences for its central characters. After a chaotic weekend sparked by an edible arrangement and Devon DeWitt’s (Meghann Fahy) search for her sister Simone (Milly Alcock), the narrative reached its climax during a lavish Labor Day charity gala.
The final episode saw Simone’s carefully constructed world crumble. After Ethan (Glenn Howerton) drunkenly fell off a cliff following an argument with her, and a compromising photo of Simone kissing Michaela Kell’s (Julianne Moore) husband, Peter (Kevin Bacon), surfaced, Michaela swiftly fired Simone. Her dreams of chairing Michaela’s foundation and a life of luxury were abruptly terminated.
Key Twists and Character Fates
- Simone’s Betrayal and New Alliance: Faced with losing her privileged position, Simone aligned herself with Peter. He, in turn, decided to divorce Michaela and publicly announced his relationship with Simone at the gala, leaving Michaela stunned.
- Michaela’s Past Revealed: Devon confronted Michaela, suspecting her of involvement in the disappearance of Peter’s first wife, Jocelyn. However, Michaela disclosed that Jocelyn had become a recluse due to disfiguring plastic surgery following her divorce from Peter.
- Devon’s Choice: Witnessing Simone’s transformation and choices, Devon decided to return to her life in Buffalo to care for their father, Bruce (Bill Camp), who suffers from early-onset dementia. She acknowledged the growing chasm between herself and her sister.
- An Unlikely Farewell: The series concluded with Devon and a now-single Michaela coincidentally sharing a ferry ride off the island. They shared a brief, understanding exchange, with Devon expressing she didn’t view Michaela as a monster, and Michaela reciprocating the sentiment about Simone.
Creator’s Insights on the Ending
Molly Smith Metzler, the creator of “Sirens” (who also created “Maid”), offered context on the show’s title and themes, drawing parallels to the Greek myth of the sirens. She explained in a behind-the-scenes featurette that the show aimed to explore the sirens’ perspective, suggesting their song might be one of pain and loneliness rather than malice.
“We call these women monsters in the myth, but for all we know, they’re just singing for help,” Smith Metzler told Netflix’s Tudum. “In the original myth, they’re there because they’re being punished. They’re trapped. They’re unhappy. It’s a cry for help.”
Thematic Undertones: Sisterhood and Survival
“Sirens” delves into the fractured relationship between Devon and Simone, who were separated by circumstance and trauma following their mother’s suicide and father’s neglect. Devon sacrificed her own aspirations to raise Simone, leading to underlying resentment and differing life paths. The series explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the desperate measures individuals take to secure their version of happiness and security.
The lavish coastal setting, reminiscent of other popular thrillers, served as a backdrop for the dark comedic unraveling of secrets and the exploration of class dynamics, as working-class Devon navigated the affluent and cult-like world Michaela inhabited.
What Happens Next?
The series is a limited run, suggesting the finale provides a conclusive end to this chapter of the characters’ lives. Devon returns to her responsibilities, Simone embarks on a new, albeit morally ambiguous, path with Peter, and Michaela faces an uncertain future without her husband. The ending emphasizes the complex, often misunderstood nature of its female characters, leaving viewers to ponder their motivations and the societal pressures that shaped them.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on a report from TIME, originally titled “Sirens: Breaking Down the Ending of Netflix’s Thriller,” published on May 15, 2024. It has been rewritten for clarity, accessibility, and SEO optimization, preserving all key facts and quotes.
