Sirens

What’s it about?

Worried about her sister's relationship with her wealthy boss, Devon journeys to an exclusive island retreat to confront her. There, she grapples with the realisation that her sister may be too deeply immersed in a world of luxury and influence to return to their former life.

The facts

• Created by Molly Smith Metzler
• Stars Julianne Moore (May December), Meghann Fahy (The White Lotus), Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon) and Kevin Bacon (Mystic River)
• English language
• Runtime: 5 episodes, each around 1 hour long
• Netflix original
• Based on Molly Smith Metzler's 2011 play, Elemeno Pea

Why did it get this rating?

This series was self-rated by Netflix. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Suicide themes

In episode 3, “Monster,” it's revealed that two characters' mother died by suicide – carbon monoxide poisoning in her car – when they were young, with one of them in the backseat. This event is discussed in detail initially, and is bought up again in subsequent episodes.

It particularly affects the character who was in the car – she experiences panic attacks, and in the final episode, there's a dream sequence depicting a car filling with gas before she wakes up.

In episode 4, “Persephone,” a character tells another that they'd be happy if they walked into the ocean and never returned. In the following episode, that character goes missing, and their belongings are found on the beach, leading others to believe they may have attempted suicide.

Offensive language

The series has offensive language such as "f**k" and its derivatives, "s**t," "bitch," and "hell."

A female character is referred to as a "gutter rat whore."

Sex scenes

The film features multiple sexual scenes and references, though no nudity is shown.

In one scene, a woman in lingerie climbs onto a man and kisses him, implying intercourse afterwards.

Another scene suggests oral sex, shown from a distance with no explicit detail, accompanied by moaning sounds.

Content that may disturb

The series explores complex and sensitive themes, including power imbalances in relationships – particularly those involving significant age differences – mental health struggles, and child neglect. Some of these discussions may be distressing for some viewers, such as a child being left alone in a room without food, and discussions surrounding the foster care system, including implications of abuse.

Helplines:

The suicide themes could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Brain development – how it works, why it matters