How to Get to Heaven from Belfast Review – An Unmissable Television Event This Year
When three middle-aged women reunite at a funeral, they suspect foul play, setting the stage for a frenetic and witty caper from Lisa McGee, the creator of Derry Girls. This new series, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, delivers a sensational performance from Saoirse-Monica Jackson and captures the verve and havoc that made McGee's earlier work a masterpiece.
A Reunion Sparked by Suspicion and Secrets
Dara, played by Caoilfhionn Dunne, Saoirse, portrayed by Roisin Gallagher, and Robyn, embodied by Sinéad Keenan, are old schoolfriends who come together to mourn Greta, their fourth gang member, played by Natasha O'Keeffe. Robyn's lament about the relentless march of time – "We're dying now, is it?" – sets a tone of dark humor amidst grief. The trio's bond is rooted in a secret from twenty years ago, involving a forest shack fire, a menacing man, and satanic symbols on a wall, which they helped Greta through.
According to local gossip, Greta died from a fall down the stairs, but Saoirse, a TV crime writer, immediately suspects foul play. At the wake, she notices the body lacks an occult tattoo matching those the four friends share, deepening the mystery. The presence of Greta's husband, Owen, the local police chief played by Emmett J Scanlan, and her mother, Margo, portrayed by Michelle Fairley, adds layers of menace and intrigue to the unfolding drama.
The Caper Unfolds with Energy and Wit
Robyn, a stressed wife and mother of four, reveals her own domestic struggles, noting her toddler's controlling behavior with gritted teeth. Despite initial reluctance, teenage loyalty and fear that Greta's death might be linked to their secret draw Dara and Robyn into Saoirse's investigation. The caper proper begins, taking viewers on a whirlwind journey that includes ill-advised drinking, enigmatic letters, and a young guard named Liam, played by Darragh Hand, who bravely investigates his boss.
The plot accelerates at a frenetic pace, incorporating a car crash, clues from teenage diaries, a trip to Portugal, a possible assassin portrayed by Bronagh Gallagher, and numerous twists and revelations. Ardal O'Hanlon appears as an eccentric hotel owner, while Saoirse-Monica Jackson delivers a wild, perfect performance in later episodes that is impossible to describe without spoilers – a must-see highlight of the year.
McGee's Signature Style Shines Through
Written with Lisa McGee's customary wit, brutality, and sensitivity, the series maintains emotional credibility despite its increasingly preposterous plot. The actors, including those portraying teenage versions of the protagonists, keep the narrative grounded as themes of conscience, loyalty, and moral obligations emerge through chaos and laughter. While the relentless energy might occasionally leave viewers wishing for a pause, the overall experience is a switchbacking rush of joy that only a cankered soul would fault.
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is now streaming on Netflix, offering a murder-mystery caper that blends humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments in a way that honors the DNA of Derry Girls while forging its own path. Buckle up and enjoy this unmissable series.
