Netflix's Latest Crime Thriller Soars in Popularity with 'Spooky and Twisted' Appeal
Netflix's new crime thriller series, How To Get To Heaven From Belfast, has rapidly ascended the streaming platform's top 10 chart, earning widespread praise from fans and critics alike for its eerie and complex narrative. Created by Lisa McGee, the mastermind behind the beloved Channel 4 comedy Derry Girls, this eight-episode dark comedy murder mystery has generated significant anticipation and delivered a compelling viewing experience.
A Mysterious Journey with Deep Secrets
The series follows three secondary school friends—Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne), Saoirse (Roisin Gallagher), and Robyn (Sinéad Keenan)—who reunite in their 30s to attend the funeral of their estranged friend Greta in Donegal. Bound by a dark secret they hoped would remain buried with her, the trio soon discovers that Greta might not be as deceased as they believed. This revelation propels them on a macabre road trip filled with twists and turns, blending humor with suspense in a uniquely Irish setting.
Since its release, the show has secured the number three spot on Netflix's top 10 chart, with fans enthusiastically sharing their admiration on social media. Viewers have highlighted the series' dry humor, captivating soundtrack, and intricate mystery as standout elements. One X user, RamasScreen, described it as "spooky, twisted and profound", praising the "compelling performances by the three leads" and their "unapologetically honest" interactions.
Critical Acclaim and High Ratings
Critics have also embraced the series, awarding it an impressive 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Decider commended it as "a sharply funny examination of how friendships change over time as well as a pretty darn good mystery", while TIME magazine noted McGee's "cleverly meta spin on an overdone genre" and her talent for comedy and character development. The Guardian called it a "switchbacking rush of joy", and The Independent labeled it a "gleeful and giddy joyride through the genres".
However, not all reviews have been uniformly glowing. Metro's Senior Entertainment Reporter, Pierra Willis, offered a three-star assessment, expressing that while the series is packed with hilarious quips and emotional moments, it occasionally struggles with pacing and clarity, requiring viewers to pause and piece together storylines.
Lisa McGee's Creative Evolution
In an interview with Metro, McGee discussed her approach to this project following the monumental success of Derry Girls. She explained that while the new series shares some DNA with her previous work—particularly in its focus on a group of women and a similar sense of humor—she intentionally sought a genre shift. "I think if I was to have gone on and done a straight comedy again, I would have felt more pressure," McGee stated. She added that the challenges of crafting a mystery with hour-long episodes and multiple plot elements were distinct, but she felt less pressure about comparisons to Derry Girls due to the series' unique tone.
How To Get To Heaven From Belfast is now available for streaming on Netflix, offering audiences a blend of dark comedy, suspense, and Irish-centric storytelling that continues to resonate with viewers worldwide.
