Three middle-aged women might just be all you need for anything—to run a business, raise a village, end a war, reshape a civilization, or even clean out the attic. Even better, you can craft a brilliant murder-mystery caper around them, as Lisa McGee (a fourth woman! If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it) has done with her new series, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast.
McGee, of course, made her name with Derry Girls—a near-perfect sitcom that followed the trials and tribulations of a group of Northern Irish Catholic schoolgirls (and their beleaguered English cousin) as they navigated the chaos of growing up in the mid-90s during the tail end of the Troubles. The main characters in this new show don’t directly mirror the old ones, but the DNA of Derry Girls is gloriously alive and well (is DNA alive? I suddenly feel the urge to consult Sister Michael). How to Get to Heaven has all the verve, sharp wit, and delightful havoc, layered over impeccable plotting, that you’d expect from McGee’s masterwork. The only difference? One of the schoolgirls is dead. Probably. Maybe. Or perhaps not.
Here’s the setup: Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne), Saoirse (Roisin Gallagher), and Robyn (Sinéad Keenan) are old school friends who reunite for the funeral of Greta (Natasha O’Keeffe)—“We’re dying now, is it?” Robyn remarks, rightly furious at time’s relentless march. Greta once completed their teenage gang of four, until something went terribly wrong for her one night twenty years ago, and the other three came to her aid. A flashback shows a forest shack on fire, a menacing man, and satanic symbols on the wall… Bound by friendship and a shared secret, the three stayed in touch but lost contact with Greta.
According to local gossip, Greta died from a fall down the stairs. Saoirse, a TV crime writer by trade (she’d wanted to write plays but settled for a steady paycheck), immediately suspects foul play. Her suspicions deepen at the wake when she notices the body in the coffin lacks the occult tattoo—matching the one from the flashback—that all four friends share. Things look even more sinister when we meet Greta’s husband, Owen, the local police chief, played by Emmett J Scanlan, arguably the most genuinely frightening actor in history. He’s the type who makes you want to hide behind the sofa like a child terrified by Doctor Who. Greta’s mother, Margo (Michelle Fairley), is an almost equally unsettling presence.
Something is definitely amiss. Robyn, a deeply stressed wife and mother of four, thinks she might have some insight because her own husband, Patrick, has recently taken a dark turn, becoming “very controlling… gaslighting, all that kind of thing.” “He’s only one,” Dara says skeptically. “He’s one and a half,” Robyn replies through gritted teeth, referring to her toddler. “And he knows what he’s doing.”
Though Dara and Robyn are hesitant to get involved, teenage loyalty—and the fear that Greta’s death or disappearance might be linked to their secret in the woods—runs deep. Soon, Saoirse has them on board and investigating, and the caper kicks into high gear. The plot moves at a frenetic pace, covering a lot of ground without ever losing energy. In fact, it moves so quickly that you might occasionally wish it would pause just long enough to let everyone catch their breath and allow certain moments to fully land. But overall, the experience is a thrilling, twist-filled rush of joy, and you’d have to be a real cynic—or a professional critic—to even mention that as a flaw amid so much fun.
There’s ill-advised drinking, mysterious hand-delivered letters, and a young, attractive guard named Liam (Darragh Hand) who’s brave enough to investigate his own boss. There’s a car crash, clues pulled from teenage diaries and buried memories, a trip to Portugal, a possible assassin (Bronagh Gallagher), and plenty of twists, turns, complications, and revelations.There’s much more to praise—including Ardal O’Hanlon as an eccentric hotel owner and Saoirse-Monica Jackson, who delivers an absolutely wild, perfect performance a few episodes in. Her role is both impossible to describe and would give too much away if I tried, but you simply must see it if you watch nothing else this year.
The series is written with McGee’s signature blend of wit, brutality, and sensitivity. The actors—including the younger cast portraying the teenage versions of the adult protagonists—hold everything together and keep it emotionally believable, even as the plot’s absurdity grows at an almost geometric rate. Through the chaos and laughter, deeper questions of conscience (“She’s having an attack of the Catholics”), loyalty, and what we owe to one another begin to surface. So buckle up and enjoy. How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is streaming on Netflix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the TV series How to Get to Heaven from Belfast
General Beginner Questions
Q What is How to Get to Heaven from Belfast
A Its a dark comedy thriller TV series from Northern Ireland created by Lisa McGee It follows three childhood friends who reunite after a funeral and get pulled into a dangerous mystery
Q Where can I watch it
A Its available to stream on Channel 4 in the UK and on RTÉ in Ireland For international viewers its streaming on Netflix in many regions
Q Is it connected to Derry Girls
A No its a completely separate story However it shares Lisa McGees sharp witty writing and explores complex female friendships but with a much darker mysterydriven plot
Q Do I need to be from Belfast or know Irish history to understand it
A Not at all While the setting and local humour add depth the core story about friendship secrets and a gripping mystery is universal and easy to follow
Q Why is everyone saying its a mustwatch
A Its being praised for its brilliant blend of laughoutloud comedy and genuine suspense fantastic performances and its unique authentic voice
Plot Characters
Q Who are the three main friends
A Saoirse a cynical writer Robyn a stressedout mother and Dara who appears more puttogether Their dynamic is the heart of the show
Q Whats the basic plot without spoilers
A After the funeral of a childhood friend named Greta the trio receives an email suggesting her death wasnt an accident Their investigation into her past unravels longburied secrets from their own teenage years
Q Is it more of a comedy or a thriller
A Its a perfect 5050 blend One minute youre laughing at their hilarious banter and the next youre on the edge of your seat as they stumble into real danger
Q How many episodes are there
A The first season has 8 episodes each about 45 minutes long
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