How to Get to Heaven from Belfast Review: A Must-Watch Murder Mystery Caper
When three middle-aged women reunite at a funeral, they suspect foul play in the death of their old school friend. This premise sets the stage for How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, a frenetic and witty murder-mystery caper from Lisa McGee, the creator of the beloved sitcom Derry Girls. The new Netflix series delivers a sensational performance from Saoirse-Monica Jackson and maintains the verve and acuity that made McGee's previous work a masterwork.
A Reunion Sparked by Suspicion
Dara, played by Caoilfhionn Dunne, Saoirse, portrayed by Roisin Gallagher, and Robyn, brought to life by Sinéad Keenan, are old schoolfriends who come together to attend the funeral of Greta, completing their teenage gang of four. According to local gossip, Greta died from a fall down the stairs, but Saoirse, a TV crime writer, immediately suspects something more sinister. At the wake, she notices the body in the coffin lacks an occult tattoo that all four friends share, matching symbols from a flashback to a forest shack on fire twenty years ago.
The plot thickens with the introduction of Greta's husband, Owen, the local police chief played by Emmett J Scanlan, whose menacing presence adds to the tension. Her mother, Margo, portrayed by Michelle Fairley, is an almost equally unholy force. As the three women delve deeper, they uncover clues from teenage diaries, enigmatic letters, and buried memories, all while navigating their own personal struggles, such as Robyn's stressful family life.
Frenetic Pace and Emotional Depth
The series moves at a breakneck pace, taking viewers on a journey that includes a car crash, a trip to Portugal, and a possible assassin played by Bronagh Gallagher. Despite the occasional wish for a moment to catch a breath, the experience is a switchbacking rush of joy, filled with twists, turns, and revelations. Ardal O'Hanlon appears as an eccentric hotel owner, and Saoirse-Monica Jackson delivers a wild, perfect performance that is impossible to describe without spoilers.
McGee's writing combines wit, brutality, and sensitivity, keeping the emotional credibility intact even as the plot becomes increasingly preposterous. The actors, including those portraying the teenage versions of the protagonists, maintain a cohesive narrative that explores themes of conscience, loyalty, and secrets. Questions like "She's having an attack of the Catholics" highlight the show's dark humor amidst the chaos.
Why This Series Stands Out
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast captures the DNA of Derry Girls, with its sharp dialogue and chaotic energy, but adds a layer of mystery and suspense. The series proves that three middle-aged women can indeed run a business, raise a village, or in this case, solve a murder, with equal parts humor and heart. It's a testament to McGee's talent that she can transition from a sitcom about schoolgirls to a caper about adults without losing her signature touch.
In summary, if you see nothing else this year, watch this series. Buckle up and enjoy the ride, as it offers a unique blend of laughter, tension, and emotional depth that is rare in television today.
