Netflix's 'Proudly Irish' Thriller 'How to Get to Heaven from Belfast' Unveils Its Stellar Cast
Eight years after the global phenomenon Derry Girls debuted, its creator Lisa McGee is back with a gripping new project that shifts from teenage comedy to adult thriller. The eight-part Netflix series How to Get to Heaven from Belfast premieres with a focus on female friendship, secrets, and Irish identity, starring Roisin Gallagher, Sinéad Keenan, and Caoilfhionn Dunne.
From Derry Girls to Dark Thrills: A New Chapter for McGee
Lisa McGee, celebrated for Derry Girls, has crafted a narrative that veers sharply into thriller territory. Set in Northern Ireland's capital, the story follows three lifelong friends—chaotic TV writer Saoirse (Gallagher), glamorous but stressed mother Robyn (Keenan), and carer Dara (Dunne)—who reunite after learning of the death of their estranged friend Greta. However, the wake reveals shocking twists: Greta isn't actually dead, and the trio must confront a long-buried secret from their school days.
The series blends dark humor with a dangerous journey across Ireland as the friends piece together Greta's true identity and reflect on covering up a crime in their youth. McGee explained her inspiration, stating, "Sometimes we get too obsessed with romantic relationships—friendship groups fascinate me." This exploration of platonic bonds forms the emotional core of the show, highlighting how friendships endure through adulthood's challenges.
The Stars' Passion for the Project
Roisin Gallagher, known for The Dry and The Lovers, admitted she "tortured and begged" her agent for an audition, eager to join McGee's vision. Sinéad Keenan, who previously worked with McGee on Derry Girls and other shows, laughed about her immediate yes to the role, saying, "Lisa was enough! When the call came in, I was like yes send the script over!" Caoilfhionn Dunne, with credits in Ghosts and Chernobyl, brings depth to the trio's dynamic.
The actors emphasized the series' celebration of Irish culture, from cameos by The Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty to jokes about local politics. Gallagher noted, "I love how proudly Irish the series is," explaining that authenticity in dialogue and setting captures the reality of Northern Ireland. She described using her natural Belfast accent as a "privilege," reflecting on early career pressures to modify her voice.
Cultural Pride and Historical Context
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast weaves in references to The Troubles, the decades-long conflict in Northern Ireland, using humor as a coping mechanism. Gallagher argued this inclusion is "necessary and essential," as it shapes the characters' behaviors and the region's identity. The series also features Irish language elements, which the cast praised as "massively important" for representation.
Dunne highlighted progress in accepting Irish accents on screen, noting, "Where I would have previously been asked to tape in my own accent and also an English one, but now it's been fine to do it with my Irish accent." This shift allows for more authentic performances and broader audience familiarity.
Supporting Cast and Future Prospects
The ensemble includes notable actors such as Tom Basden, Art Campion, and Michelle Fairley, adding richness to the narrative. While the first season ends on a cliffhanger, the stars expressed enthusiasm for potential future adventures, joking about a Caribbean setting for a second season. McGee's track record with Derry Girls, which concluded with the Good Friday Agreement, suggests this thriller could similarly blend personal drama with historical resonance.
As the series streams on Netflix, it offers a unique blend of thriller suspense, female friendship, and cultural pride, marking a significant addition to Irish storytelling on global platforms.
