Lisa McGee's new mystery thriller, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, follows the story of Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara as they reunite after a school friend's death sparks an investigation. The show is part thriller, part surrealist comedy, and delves into themes of female friendships, identity, and navigating adulthood.
The characters are loosely based on McGee's real-life friends from school, with Saoirse inspired by her own name being frequently shortened to "Seersh." Robyn is modeled after a similar friend who grew up to become a glamorous mum of four. Dara's character is reminiscent of Orla, while the group's dynamic is similar to that of Michelle from Derry Girls.
The show explores the complexities of female friendships in adulthood and how they can be both supportive and complicated. McGee says, "It's the same group of girls, only we've grown up now and we still don't know what we're doing!" The characters' lives are filled with mundane struggles, such as fashion being circular and friendship being complicated.
However, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast also delves into the darker aspects of Northern Irish culture, including the landscape's wild beauty and its potential for danger. McGee notes that there is a "something so charming and beautiful" about Northern Ireland, but it can quickly turn scary.
The show features a mix of dark comedy and mystery elements, with the women taking on a sleuthing adventure to uncover the truth about Greta's death. McGee aimed to create a sense of excitement and chaos, saying, "They needed to feel badass." The show is not meant to be a straightforward drama but rather an exploration of complex themes through absurd situations.
Ultimately, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast offers a unique blend of humor, mystery, and female empowerment. With its dark comedy tone and exploration of complex relationships, it's sure to captivate audiences looking for something fresh and exciting.
The characters are loosely based on McGee's real-life friends from school, with Saoirse inspired by her own name being frequently shortened to "Seersh." Robyn is modeled after a similar friend who grew up to become a glamorous mum of four. Dara's character is reminiscent of Orla, while the group's dynamic is similar to that of Michelle from Derry Girls.
The show explores the complexities of female friendships in adulthood and how they can be both supportive and complicated. McGee says, "It's the same group of girls, only we've grown up now and we still don't know what we're doing!" The characters' lives are filled with mundane struggles, such as fashion being circular and friendship being complicated.
However, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast also delves into the darker aspects of Northern Irish culture, including the landscape's wild beauty and its potential for danger. McGee notes that there is a "something so charming and beautiful" about Northern Ireland, but it can quickly turn scary.
The show features a mix of dark comedy and mystery elements, with the women taking on a sleuthing adventure to uncover the truth about Greta's death. McGee aimed to create a sense of excitement and chaos, saying, "They needed to feel badass." The show is not meant to be a straightforward drama but rather an exploration of complex themes through absurd situations.
Ultimately, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast offers a unique blend of humor, mystery, and female empowerment. With its dark comedy tone and exploration of complex relationships, it's sure to captivate audiences looking for something fresh and exciting.
... sounds like it's got some potential but also kinda meh. i mean, a bunch of friends trying to solve a mystery? done before. plus, the whole "dark comedy" thing can be hit or miss. don't get me wrong, lisa mcgee is def talented and all, but this just seems like another attempt at creating something new when we already have so many great shows out there. the premise sounds kinda... predictable? 
still gonna check it out tho, might give it a few eps to see if it grows on me 
I love that the characters are inspired by her real-life friends too - it makes me wanna watch to see how they've evolved 
. The idea of exploring complex female friendships in adulthood feels so relatable 
. And I'm intrigued by the darker aspects of Northern Irish culture, like how beauty can be both captivating and scary 
. It sounds like this show will be a wild ride 
Can't wait to see if it'll capture my attention!
also love that lisa mcgee is drawing from her own experiences and relationships in creating this show 
. The way McGee weaves in the darker aspects of culture is actually really clever, exploring the complexities of female friendships without being too heavy-handed 
. Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara are literally my spirit girls btw 
. I love how the show doesn't take itself seriously, embracing the absurdity and chaos that comes with adulting 
. The mix of dark comedy and mystery is like a breath of fresh air 
. Can't wait to dive in and see what all the fuss is about 
like 3 times already this year... anyway back to the show, I don't know how they do it but Northern Ireland looks super gorgeous on screen 
I've always wanted to visit and now I'm kinda intrigued by the darker side of it too 
. What's up with all these shows about female friendships lately? Is it just a thing right now or what 
And I'm intrigued by the way the show delves into Northern Irish culture... it's like this beautiful, wild place that can be both stunning and terrifying at the same time 
. And I'm all for female empowerment, especially in a show that doesn't shy away from the complexities of adult relationships