Warning: This article includes MAJOR SPOILERS for Sirens!

As a lover of cult shows, I’m delighted that Netflix’s hit dark comedy excellent limited series that leave viewers wanting more, and the genre-bending show, Sirens, is just the most recent example. The show throws a thriller, mystery, soap opera, and dark comedy into a mixing bowl and comes out with five incredible episodes that breeze by far too quickly.

After reading the synopsis, I couldn’t wait to watch Netflix’s Sirens, and I wasn’t disappointed. Creator Molly Smith Metzler weaves together a compelling show that surprised me in the best way possible. Devon is deeply concerned that her sister, Simone, is involved in a cult run by her boss, Michaela Kell, and the truth of the situation is a little more ambiguous than a simple “yes” or “no.” Rather than being a straightforward religious cult or a doomsday cult, Sirens depicts a much less frequently discussed type of cult that I’m delighted to see onscreen – a cult of personality.

Netflix’s Sirens Centers On Michaela Kell’s Cult Of Personality

Michaela Is Adored & Idolized To An Unnatural Level

Although Devon suspects Michaela’s bird conservatory is a front for something more insidious, it’s actually just a bird conservatory. Instead, I’m convinced the true cult is a cult of personality that has formed around Michaela Kell. A cult of personality includes the idealization of a charismatic leader to a nearly god-like level, shaped through media exposure that selectively paints them in a positive light. This results in immense power and unquestioning loyalty.

The term "cult of personality" used to only apply to leaders of authoritarian regimes, but the definition has broadened to include religious and social leaders.

Michaela Kell is the figurehead, and her image is carefully curated to make others idolize her to an unhealthy level. Anyone who dissents against Michaela, like Devon, is shunned for her perspective, and those who are loyal to her are rewarded with gifts. Even Michaela acknowledges the power she held over her followers when talking to Devon on the boat. She says, "People will do anything for you when you're Mrs. Kell. You just tell them what the rules are."

Whether it's truly a cult or not comes down to semantical definitions, but it certainly has enough of the characteristics to at least be cult-adjacent.

However, calling Michaela a cult leader would also be a misnomer because she’s just a replaceable figurehead. Peter is the master manipulator, picking and choosing the women he puts into this position. When Michaela stops serving him, he cycles her out in favor of the next young woman. He is the real cult leader and the monster of the show. Unfortunately, based on Sirens’ ending, it seems that Simone will take over as the figurehead since she will become the new Mrs. Kell. I only hope that she won’t abuse her power.

Why Cults Of Personality Are So Difficult To Get Right In TV Shows

These Shows Need Charismatic Actors Who Can Command A Room

Although they’re fascinating phenomena, cults of personality are rarely shown onscreen because they’re difficult to depict properly in TV shows. When a cult in a show or movie uses violence and religious manipulation to control its followers, it’s easier for the average viewer to understand why they stay. However, cults of personality have an entirely different approach to obtaining and maintaining power.

The audience has to believe that the leader is charismatic enough that they can convince followers to idolize them without overt force. Julianne Moore, who plays Michaela in the cast of Sirens, is a powerhouse actor who exudes charisma and confidence. However, I can’t think of many actors who can command a show in the same way.

The Cult In Sirens Is An Empathetic Depiction

Sirens Doesn't Demonize The Women Involved

The thing that made me so happy about Netflix’s Sirens wasn’t just that it included a less-talked-about type of cult but the fact that it offered empathy to all the victims involved, including those who perpetrated harm as well. The people looking up to Michaela are shown through a comionate lens. At the same time, so are Jocelyn, Michaela, and Simone – the titular “sirens” who have been or will be venerated by their fans.

On every level, a group partakes in cult-like behaviors to win the approval of another person who is partaking in cult-like behaviors to win the approval of another person and another and another. In the Netflix show, the chain ends with Simon, the true siren, drawing in all of the followers with his wealth and social status. Whether that’s truly a cult or not comes down to semantical definitions, but it certainly has enough of the characteristics to at least be cult-adjacent. However, the messages that come from Sirens are just as important, no matter the label placed on the group in the story.