Julianne Moore Analyzes the Series Finale

Note: This post reveals key details about “Sirens.”

Is Michaela Kell’s enigmatic way of life truly a cult? The question that shaped the first five episodes of Netflix’s “Sirens” reaches a conclusion in the finale, which aired on May 22.

The resolution of a tumultuous weekend on an opulent New England island leaves all characters affected, profoundly altering the lives of those surrounding Michaela.

Julianne Moore, who plays Michaela in the series, shares with TODAY.com that the series began as a retelling of the Greek myth of sirens — mythical beings that are half-woman, half-bird, whose enchanting voices draw sailors to their doom.

“Why do we only hear the sirens’ stories from the sailors’ view? What about their perspective?” Moore asks. “What are the sirens really asking for? And why are they blamed instead of the men?”

“Men often claim, ‘These women entrapped me. These women caused my downfall.’ It’s as if these men have lost all agency,” she explains.

Moore reveals that it was the daughter of the series’ showrunner, Molly Smith Metzler, who posed questions about Greek sirens that inspired the play upon which the series is based.

“Molly aimed to weave that concept into the narrative, focusing on, ‘What’s their narrative?’” Moore states.

What is ‘Sirens’ about?

The five-episode series also features Meghann Fahy as Devon, who arrives on the island after failing to contact her sister Simone, portrayed by Milly Alcock, Michaela’s assistant.

Devon’s presence on the island injects chaos into Michaela’s meticulously structured life. The finale kicks off right after the whirlwind weekend, with Michaela’s much-anticipated gala about to begin.

Michaela has spent months preparing for the gala, with her trusted assistant Simone at her side, but the event is thrown into disarray when Michaela decides to dismiss her just hours before it starts. The socialite uncovers evidence of her husband, Peter Kell (Kevin Bacon), kissing Simone.

While Simone insists that Peter initiated the encounter and she walked away from it, this revelation follows Michaela discovering Simone’s deceit regarding her secret affair with Peter’s best friend, Ethan (Glenn Howerton).

Earlier in the season, Simone and Ethan made their relationship public, leading him to propose, but Simone turned him down. This rejection sent Ethan into a downward spiral, culminating in his fall from a cliff during a confrontation with Simone.

How does ‘Sirens’ end?

The fifth episode opens with Ethan recovering in a hospital. Upon seeing Simone, he erupts in anger, demanding that she leave. Kevin defends Simone, insisting that Ethan must show her respect.

Moore interprets the series as a reflection of the power dynamics between men and women. While Michaela appears to hold power, it is truly Peter who has been manipulating the situation all along.

“Peter Kell wields all the power due to his wealth, which underscores the themes of social and economic hierarchy,” she says. “Once you peel back the layers, you realize the true decision-maker is that billionaire.”

After Peter questions Michaela about firing Simone, he spots Simone running toward the beach. He follows her and admits his role in her losing her job, promising to make amends. She indicates she has something to share, but the scene abruptly cuts away.

Back at the house, the gala is in full swing as Devon confronts Michaela about allegations of her being a cult leader and her rumored involvement in Peter’s first wife’s death, in front of all the guests. Michaela explains that after Peter’s divorce, his ex-wife underwent botched plastic surgery, becoming a recluse and squashing town gossip.

Following this confrontation, Peter seeks a private discussion with Michaela. He reveals his desire for a divorce, claiming Michaela has kept him from his children from a previous marriage. He also admits he discovered the photo of him and Simone but chose to destroy it.

Moore speculates that Devon’s arrival may have escalated the tension between Michaela and Peter, but asserts their marriage was destined for failure regardless.

“I feel it was unavoidable,” Moore shares. “In situations like this, particularly within marriages, if it’s meant to unfold this way, it will happen. Devon’s presence wouldn’t have changed the outcome. The result would have been the same.”

After Michaela storms out, Simone descends a staircase clad in an evening gown. Peter reaches out his hand, leading her outside — hinting at the beginning of a genuine relationship.

As they enter the gala, Simone informs Devon that she is now with Peter, which takes Devon by surprise. Devon announces she will return to Buffalo to care for their father, resulting in an emotional farewell as it becomes evident Simone intends to stay with Peter on the island.

Simone stands and offers a toast to the gala’s guests from Michaela’s typical position. Devon boards a ferry back to the mainland.

On the ferry, she encounters Michaela, leading to a heartfelt conversation about their futures.

“I believe she’s ready to move forward,” Moore shares about her character. “In many ways, she has returned to her true self. While she may be uncertain about her future, she possesses agency and will make choices for her own life. So, I genuinely think she’s in a good place.”

The episode concludes with a shot of Simone standing in front of Peter’s home, contemplating everything that led her here — and the fate of the person who obstructed her path.