You have used all your credits for this month. Please add more credits to continue.

by

As a devoted cinephile, I recently delved into the intriguing title origin of the Netflix romantic drama series, “Sirens.” The captivating narrative of this enticing show revolves around the character Devon (played by Meghann Fahy), who embarks on a mission to reunite with her estranged sister Simone (Milly Alcock, known for her role in DCU’s Supergirl).

The twist? Their father is gravely ill, and Devon seeks Simone’s help in Buffalo, New York. However, the unexpected happens when Devon discovers that Simone has metamorphosed into a dedicated assistant to Michaela Kells (Julianne Moore), a high-profile figure residing on a lavish island paradise called Port Haven. The series title, “Sirens,” could be interpreted as a symbol of the alluring yet potentially perilous allure of the luxurious lifestyle Simone now inhabits, tempting Devon and challenging their relationship along the way.

Over the course of its five episodes, the Netflix series Sirens presents numerous unexpected developments, including the intriguing relationship dynamics between Simone and Michaela, the persistent tension between Devon and Simone that borders on sibling rivalry, and the shocking vanishing act of Ethan Corbin, Simone’s lover, portrayed by Glenn Howerton.

Amidst all the turmoil, the intriguing title of the series, “Sirens,” holds a more profound significance than many viewers may comprehend. This significance encompasses references to Greek mythology and a secretive wit shared between the two leading characters.

Why Netflix’s Sirens Show Is Called ‘Sirens’

In the show “Sirens“, Devon and Simone share a unique in-story distress signal, which they’ve nicknamed “The Sirens.“. This was the message Devon sent to Simone before choosing to visit her extravagant workplace. However, as the storyline unfolds, it has gradually revealed connections to the broader Greek mythology of the Sirens.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Sirens director Nicole Kassell discussed the significance of the show, explaining its roots in Greek mythology and portraying the concept of alluring women who lure sailors towards danger and their demise.

In a way that feels symbolic to me, it’s much like the tale of Greek mythology, where enchanting ladies with alluring melodies entice sailors towards their destruction. I can’t help but wonder if we ourselves are not the sailors, drawn by these ‘Sirens,’ or if they are the ones singing the captivating songs.

Kassell additionally noted that this situation connects to the initial “distress signal between the sisters,” and Simone’s rejection of it serves as a catalyst for the narrative unfolding in the series.

The sisters’ SOS call, which was set up when Simone was young and allowed her to text Devon for help whenever needed, was undeniably a significant reference point. As they grew older, this arrangement worked reciprocally. However, Simone failing to respond to Devon’s call for help is what sets off the series of events that unfold over the weekend.

In Greek mythology, Sirens are fascinating yet treacherous beings, part bird and part woman, known for their captivating songs which they use to allure sailors towards their doom. Similarly, in Port Haven, the danger lurking is not unlike the unpredictable and manipulative nature of Michaela, who resembles a Siren, as her actions have strained the once strong bond between Devon and Simone.

In the show, instead of Simone and Devon meeting their untimely ends, it was Simone’s decision at the end to wed Peter Kells (Kevin Bacon), outmaneuvering Michaela in the process, that effectively severed her bond with both her sister and mentor. From my perspective as a fan, it felt like she chose the Kells life over her ties with Devon and her former guide.

During a chat with Variety, Sirens creator Molly Smith Metzler explained the significance of the show’s title. She pointed out that it refers back to the secret phrase used by Devon and Simone, which signifies “an emergency situation requiring immediate attention and assistance.

These sisters share a secret password – in the play, this is “Elemeno Pea,” which also happens to be the title of the play; there’s an interesting backstory as to why that specific term serves as their code. In the series ‘Sirens’, it functions as their emergency signal, essentially meaning ‘911, abandon all tasks, I need you urgently.’

Regarding its ties to Greek mythology, Metzler wanted the title to hold a “doubly appealing meaning” that would spark thoughts among viewers about the true essence of Sirens.

As I crafted the Greek mythology-inspired narrative for our show titled ‘Sirens,’ an idea sparked within me while I was penning their conversations. In the script, I imagined them exchanging the siren emoji. This concept seemed to emerge from a subconscious space – perhaps it’s not the emoji, but rather the word “sirens,” that they share. This way, we could enjoy this intriguing double entendre. As a writer, such fortuitous moments are rare, yet this one found its way perfectly into my work.

While chatting with The Wrap, Metzler revealed that the name for the project didn’t come to her until she delved into Greek mythology during her school years. She found herself captivated by the tales of these alluring beings.

From the perspective of the sailors, the reason behind the sirens’ enchanting songs remains a mystery, as their own tale has never been revealed to us. It’s never been disclosed or shared.

Throughout the course of the series, characters such as Devon, Simone, and Michaela find themselves, at various points, labeled or even transforming into monstrous figures within the narrative, as the siren’s influence pushes each of them to the extremes of their personal boundaries.

Devon was extremely annoyed that Simone refused to assist her with her dad’s issue. Michaela is portrayed as a tyrant due to her domineering behavior towards Simone and her spouse, while Simone eventually turns into a monster herself after she blatantly takes Peter away from her boss.

Still, Metzler questioned if calling them monsters is valid: 

As a fervent admirer, I ponder over the fact that these remarkable figures are branded as monstrous in various contexts and manners. The question arises: why is this so, and is it just? It’s intriguing to delve into why our culture sometimes portrays certain women in powerful roles as villains.

Why Sirens Is The Perfect Title for the New Netflix Series 

Title “Sirens” portrays a complex interplay among the principal characters that transcends beyond the simple rescue signal the DeWitt sisters had agreed upon within the series.

Throughout its five-episode span, the show delved profoundly into motifs of temptation, power, and manipulation, transforming characters Devon, Simone, and Michaela so significantly that they embodied the essence of legendary sirens at various stages of the series.

In the end, Simone climbed to the highest rank when she secured a relationship with billionaire Peter Kells. However, this choice effectively ended any chance for reconciliation with Devon and Michaela, leaving their relationship as a significant loss in her life. This situation mirrors the tragic nature of Greek sirens’ songs, which often resulted in the demise of something or someone.

Michaela’s sudden exclusion from Peter’s wedding left many stunned and shocked, but it was largely due to her own actions that led her to this predicament initially. Her decision to disregard Simone’s account of Peter initiating the kiss ultimately contributed to her misfortune.

In a peculiar manner, Devon behaved like a monster as she tirelessly tried to transform Simone, unaware that her sister had reached a point beyond recovery.

In the end, there is no true winner for the three protagonists, which is quite unfortunate. 

Read More

2025-05-28 01:35