How To Get To Heaven From Belfast: Lisa McGee's Gothic Thriller Follows Derry Girls Success
Is Derry Girls the best sitcom of the past decade? Many fans would argue yes, praising its hilarious, touching, and authentic portrayal of life that earned creator Lisa McGee the Freedom of the Northern Irish city, making her the first woman to receive this honour. The show's inevitable end, as the cast grew up and pursued other projects like Nicola Coughlan's stardom in Bridgerton, left audiences with lingering questions: What would the girls become as adults? Would their friendship endure? And how could McGee possibly follow up her Bafta-winning triumph?
A Definitive Answer to Fan Questions
How To Get To Heaven From Belfast, an eight-part Gothic comedy thriller, provides a clear answer to that final query while offering subtle nods to loyal fans about the rest. This series blends murder-mystery with a poignant meditation on ageing and nostalgia, crafting an expertly plotted detective story that often veers into slapstick territory, all set to a vibrant pop soundtrack. In essence, it stands apart from Derry Girls, yet shares screaming similarities and a uniquely wild spirit.
McGee's affection for Scandi noir is evident from the outset. The opening scene features three girls fleeing in terror through nocturnal woods, stumbling upon a blazing building—a classic trope reminiscent of many Danish crime dramas from the Noughties. However, instead of introducing a troubled detective in cosy knitwear, McGee shifts focus to her heroines two decades later. We meet Dara, played by Caoilfhionn Dunne, as she vents to a cafe waitress about the strains of caring for her elderly mother.
Prime McGee Humour and Tangential Dialogue
Dara's rant captures the essence of McGee's writing: "Nobody lies on their deathbed thinking, 'I wish I'd spent less time with my mother,' do they? OK, there's probably some exceptions, like if your mother was, I don't know, Rose West, you'd probably want to keep a fair bit of distance. But my mother, she's nothing like Rose West. She does have sort of similar glasses, but that's as far as it goes." This killer afterthought exemplifies the series' meandering, laugh-out-loud dialogue that keeps viewers guessing.
The best lines are shared among Dara's two school friends: Saoirse, portrayed by Roisin Gallagher, a writer who despises her own hit TV show, and Robyn, played by Sinead Keenan, a harassed mum convinced her one-year-old is gaslighting her. When the trio learns of their estranged friend Greta's death, they reunite for a wake in rural Donegal, where a hunky policeman, a hit woman, and a hotel manager in a neon bow tie—Ardal O'Hanlon in a memorable role—await them.
A Web of Secrets and Ghoulish Characters
Emmett Scanlan and Michelle Fairley portray Greta's husband and mother, a pair of ghouls akin to the Addams family but devoid of charm. It's clear they're hiding something, yet in this twisted tale, secrecy seems universal. How To Get To Heaven From Belfast demands multiple viewings: once to unravel its intricate secrets and again to fully appreciate its extraordinary humour. With its blend of dark comedy and thrilling mystery, this series has "instant classic" written all over it, solidifying McGee's reputation as a master storyteller.
