Lisa McGee Returns with a New Netflix Thriller
Following the global success of Derry Girls, creator Lisa McGee faces the daunting task of delivering another hit with her new Netflix series, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast. This eight-part thriller, while not reaching the iconic status of its predecessor, presents a solid and entertaining offering that blends comedy with mystery.
A Shift from Teen Comedy to Adult Thriller
Nearly a decade after Derry Girls captivated audiences with its portrayal of Catholic teenage girls in 1990s Derry, McGee shifts gears to focus on adult friendships. The series follows three women—Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara—who have maintained their bond since school days but have taken divergent life paths.
Saoirse, played by Roisin Gallagher, is a successful crime drama screenwriter feeling creatively stifled. Robyn, portrayed by Sinéad Keenan, is a high-achieving mother of three on the verge of cracking under pressure. Dara, embodied by Caoilfhionn Dunne, is a religious gay woman navigating her place in the world.
A Mysterious Death Sparks a Dangerous Adventure
The trio's lives are upended when they each receive an email announcing the death of their estranged school friend, Greta. Reuniting for her wake, they discover an ulterior motive: they must determine whether Greta revealed a long-hidden secret they've guarded for years.
Complications arise when the body in the casket is not Greta, launching the friends on a perilous journey across Ireland. As they connect dots from their past, they realize their friend may have concealed even greater secrets.
Electric Chemistry and Touching Friendships
The core cast's chemistry is palpable, making their long-term friendship believable. Their interactions—filled with bickering, personal jabs, and minor fallouts—ultimately highlight the strength of enduring bonds that rival familial ties.
Notable performances include Saoirse-Monica Jackson, known for her role in Derry Girls, and Josh Finan, who plays a man seeking answers about his missing father. Their roles add depth to the unfolding mystery.
Humor Amidst the Thrills
Despite the genre shift, McGee infuses the series with laugh-out-loud moments. Highlights include a policeman's remark about wasting petrol, confusion over a character's alleged affiliations, and a botched body retrieval at a funeral. The soundtrack, carefully curated with early 2000s songs, enhances the nostalgic atmosphere.
The show also touches on darker themes, such as religion and the limited choices faced by pregnant women in the past, adding emotional weight to the narrative.
Pacing and Plot Clarity Issues
However, the series is not without flaws. With eight episodes, some exceeding an hour, the pacing drags at times. The dual timeline—set in 2003 and the present—can overwhelm, with certain scenes and storylines feeling tangential.
While most plot threads converge in the finale, some details remain under-explained, leaving viewers questioning missed points. The cliffhanger ending, though enticing, underscores these unresolved elements.
Verdict: A Mixed Bag with Potential
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast delivers genuine laughs and emotional moments but struggles with narrative cohesion. Fans of McGee's work will appreciate the humor and character dynamics, yet may find themselves pausing to piece together the plot. Despite its shortcomings, the series sets the stage for potential future adventures, making it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a blend of comedy and mystery.
The show is now streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a chance to dive into this Irish thriller that balances levity with intrigue.
