Lisa McGee's Explosive New Series: From Derry Girls to Belfast Mystery
After the global success of Derry Girls, writer Lisa McGee is back with a bold new project that shifts the focus from tearaway teens to a trio of women entangled in a deadly mystery. Her latest series, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, premieres on Netflix, blending thriller elements with surreal comedy in a uniquely Northern Irish setting.
A Female Northern Irish A-Team Unravels Dark Secrets
McGee describes the show as her vision for a "shit, female, Northern Irish A-Team!" The story follows lifelong friends Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara, played by Roisin Gallagher, Sinéad Keenan, and Caoilfhionn Dunne, respectively. Their bond dates back to their school days at Our Lady of the Sorrows, but their reunion is sparked by the shocking death of an old friend, Greta.
This event drags them into a Knives Out-style investigation, filled with twists and dark humor. McGee drew inspiration from classics like Columbo and Scooby-Doo, but at its core, the series explores the complexities of female friendships that span decades. "The problem with a group of friends that have known each other since they were kids," McGee explains, "is that you know everything. Sometimes you don't want that thing from your past being brought up again."
From University Play to Netflix Series
Interestingly, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast predates Derry Girls by decades. McGee originally wrote it as a play during her time at Queen's University in Belfast, inspired by flyers from Christian societies during freshers week. "I hadn't done anything yet, and it wasn't very good," she jokes about the early version. However, reconnecting with old friends during Derry Girls premieres motivated her to revisit and expand the story.
The narrative jumps between timelines, revealing the characters as both adults and teenagers, with flashbacks hinting at satanic symbols and burning sheds. The show balances sobering realities—like Dara caring for her mother or Saoirse's unsatisfying engagement—with explosive, fantastical elements, including yacht and car chase scenes that blow up.
Northern Irish Charm and Dark Comedy
Set against the wild landscapes of Northern Ireland's north-west, the series captures the region's Lynchian bleakness and dark humor. McGee notes, "When you think about the history of Northern Ireland, the people and the landscape, there's something so charming and beautiful, but it can turn really quickly." This duality fuels the mystery, as the friends stumble through their investigation, causing chaos in Ballycastle and beyond.
Despite dealing with themes like guilt and identity, the show maintains a comedic edge. McGee believes comedy often reflects truth more accurately than drama, especially in Northern Ireland, where absurdity punctuates even the darkest moments. "I don't believe you can sustain that level of depression," she says, emphasizing the resilience and humor of her characters.
Identity and Friendship in Adulthood
McGee infuses personal experiences into the series, particularly through Saoirse's struggles as an Irish writer in London, where her brusqueness is dismissed as a cultural trait. This mirrors McGee's own frustrations after living in London for 12 years before returning to Belfast. "That's the really interesting thing about identity," she reflects. "You don't quite know where you fit."
While the characters share DNA with Derry Girls archetypes—Dara resembles Orla, and Robyn is based on a real-life friend like Michelle—the adult friendships are spikier and more nuanced. McGee aims for viewers to see themselves in the trio's badass, albeit messy, adventures. "They needed to feel badass," she asserts, "and sometimes you need to blow a few things up."
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast offers a thrilling ride through mystery and camaraderie, proving that even in adulthood, the craic can still be deadly—and utterly entertaining.
