How to Get to Heaven from Belfast: A Whirlwind Mystery
When old school friends reunite for a funeral, suspicions arise, launching a frenetic and witty caper from the brilliant mind behind Derry Girls, Lisa McGee. How to Get to Heaven from Belfast isn’t just a murder mystery; it’s a testament to the enduring power of female friendship, proving that three middle-aged women can tackle anything – from running a business to unraveling a decades-old secret.
McGee, renowned for her near-perfect sitcom Derry Girls, which captured the chaotic lives of Northern Irish Catholic schoolgirls during the Troubles, brings that same verve and acuity to this new series. While the characters differ, the DNA of Derry Girls – its sharp wit, emotional depth, and unflinching honesty – is gloriously present. This new offering delivers immaculate plotting with a healthy dose of havoc.
A Reunion Shrouded in Mystery
Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne), Saoirse (Roisin Gallagher), and Robyn (Sinéad Keenan) find themselves drawn back together by the death of Greta (Natasha O’Keeffe), the fourth member of their teenage group. But the reunion is far from comforting. “We’re dying now, is it?” Robyn wryly observes, acknowledging the relentless passage of time. A shared past, marked by a night in a forest shack, a fire, and unsettling symbols, binds them together.
The circumstances surrounding Greta’s death – officially ruled an accidental fall – immediately raise red flags for Saoirse, a TV crime writer. Her suspicions deepen when she notices the body lacks a distinctive occult tattoo shared by all four friends. Adding to the tension is Owen (Emmett J Scanlan), Greta’s husband and the local police chief, whose very presence is unsettling. And then there’s Margo (Michelle Fairley), Greta’s mother, an equally formidable figure.
Secrets and Suspicions
Robyn, juggling the demands of a wife and mother of four, hints at personal turmoil, mentioning a controlling partner and unsettling behaviour. While Dara and Saoirse are initially reluctant to get involved, the weight of their shared secret and the possibility that Greta’s death is connected to their past compels them to investigate.
The ensuing investigation is a whirlwind of twists and turns. Expect ill-advised drinking, cryptic letters, a brave young guard named Liam (Darragh Hand) willing to challenge his superiors, a car crash, clues hidden in teenage diaries, a trip to Portugal, and a potential assassin (Bronagh Gallagher). Ardal O’Hanlon adds a touch of eccentricity as a hotel owner, and Saoirse-Monica Jackson delivers an absolutely captivating performance that is not to be missed.
McGee’s Signature Style
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is infused with McGee’s signature wit, brutality, and sensitivity. The actors, including those portraying the younger versions of the characters, maintain emotional credibility even as the plot becomes increasingly preposterous. Questions of conscience, loyalty, and the debts we owe to one another emerge amidst the chaos and laughter.
Buckle up for a switchbacking rush of joy. This series is a must-watch, offering a compelling blend of mystery, humour, and heart. Stream How to Get to Heaven from Belfast on Netflix now!
