The new Netflix series How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, arriving from the brilliant mind of Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee, is a high-octane blend of dark comedy and gripping mystery. Across eight episodes, McGee proves once again that she is a master of dialogue, weaving a narrative that is as “brutally” hilarious as it is emotionally resonant.
The story follows three middle-aged friends—Dara, Robyn, and Saoirse—who reunite for the wake of an estranged fourth member of their teenage gang. What begins as a somber return to Donegal quickly spirals into a frenetic caper when Saoirse, a cynical TV crime writer, suspects foul play. The plot carries a distinct “90s teen slasher” energy, reminiscent of I Know What You Did Last Summer, but filtered through the lens of women in their late 30s being dragged out of their messy adult lives to confront a 20-year-old secret.
While the mystery involves cryptic red letters, occult tattoos, and a menacing police chief (played with terrifying intensity by Emmett J. Scanlan), the true heart of the show is the chemistry between the lead trio. Their interactions are sharp, witty, and deeply Irish; you could watch them simply talk for hours and be perfectly entertained. The pacing is relentless, shifting from the rain-soaked streets of Belfast to a five-star resort in Portugal, with the absurdity peaking during a “wild” and must-see guest appearance by Saoirse-Monica Jackson.
Though the plot becomes increasingly “silly” and preposterous as the stakes rise, the emotional undercurrent of teenage loyalty and “Catholic guilt” keeps it grounded. It is a switchbacking rush of joy that manages to be both a clever satire of the true-crime genre and a moving tribute to lifelong friendship.
The Verdict: Binge-worthy. A witty, chaotic, and essential watch that cements Lisa McGee as a premier voice in television
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