Lisa McGee’s new Netflix series blends comedy and crime
Lisa McGee, the acclaimed creator of Derry Girls, has launched a new Netflix comedy murder mystery titled How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, featuring relatable female characters and a blend of humor and drama, reports BritPanorama.
The show revolves around three former school friends—Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara—who regroup after the death of their friend under mysterious circumstances. Their journey to the funeral transforms into a chaotic caper filled with car chases, a missing body, and unexpected encounters, showcasing a range of flawed yet relatable characters.
McGee emphasizes the refreshing trend of female-led TV, stating that it allows characters to embody the same flaws and complexities as their male counterparts. “What’s exciting about the current wave of female-led TV is that it means the girls and women we see on screen can now be just as bad, just as problematic, as the men,” she remarked.
As the narrative unfolds, the characters are forced to confront their past selves at a time when they are drawn back into the social roles of their youth. McGee reflects on this dynamic, saying, “We all have it, that feeling of: I don’t want to be reminded of that version of myself.” The interplay of comedy and tragedy is a hallmark of McGee’s writing style, reminiscent of her work on Derry Girls.
McGee’s inspiration for crafting resonant characters is quite unique; she derives insight from the Spice Girls, focusing on clear character archetypes which allow for deeper explorations into their personalities within the comedic structure. “This is the moral one, really religious but conflicted about that because she’s gay. This is the married mum with this nice house who doesn’t want her life to blow up because it’s a good life,” she explains.
The character of Saoirse, a TV writer struggling for fulfillment, serves as a lens through which McGee satirizes the entertainment industry and its absurdities. Saoirse’s experiences are not purely fictional; they allow McGee to express her thoughts on industry challenges while retaining an entertaining narrative.
McGee’s earlier success with Derry Girls, which triumphantly narrates the experiences of four teenage girls during the turbulent 1990s in Northern Ireland, highlights the significance of portraying joy and humor amidst conflict. This series received critical acclaim for its authentic representation, humanizing the complexities of Northern Irish life.
Reflecting on the impact and responsibilities of her work, McGee expressed the pressure she felt to represent her community on a larger stage, stating, “At one point I had to say to my agent: ‘Why am I being asked to go on Question Time? I’m a comedy writer!’” However, she also acknowledges the pride she feels for the narratives she has created.
The new series, set to premiere, showcases McGee’s hallmark blend of humor and incisive commentary, inviting audiences to engage with deeply human experiences. How to Get to Heaven from Belfast premieres on Netflix from Thursday.
