Netflix Star Sinéad Keenan Confesses to Drowning Fears During Filming of New Series
Sinéad Keenan, the acclaimed actress starring in Netflix's latest comedy crime caper, has candidly revealed her intense nervousness while filming a critical boat scene for the new series. The eight-part murder mystery, titled How to Get to Heaven From Belfast, is created by Lisa McGee, the celebrated writer behind the hit show Derry Girls.
Anxiety on the Water: Keenan's Secret Fear Exposed
In an exclusive interview, Keenan admitted that she was "secretly... probably not so secretly, quite nervous" about the challenging scene. The moment occurs when her character Robyn, along with friends Saoirse and Dara, must escape on an overcrowded inflatable dinghy after a confrontation with a mysterious fixer named Booker.
"Drowning. And I can swim! Which is the weird thing. But just drowning, death," Keenan explained when asked about the source of her anxiety. Her co-star Caoilfhionn Dunne humorously noted that Keenan's nervousness was not as hidden as she thought, exclaiming, "You hid that well. God, you're an actress."
The Plot and Production Details of the Netflix Series
The series follows three women in their thirties—Robyn, Saoirse, and Dara—as they investigate the mysterious death of their school friend Greta, portrayed by Natasha O'Keeffe. Their frantic quest for answers takes them from London and Belfast to Donegal, the fictional town of Knockdara, and even a holiday resort in Portugal.
Interestingly, the Portugal scenes were filmed in the same locations used for the 2024 blockbuster Gladiator II, adding a layer of cinematic trivia to the production. The boat scene that sparked Keenan's fears was shot on location in Malta, where the characters find themselves in serious peril.
Lisa McGee's Collaborative Approach on Set
Keenan also praised writer Lisa McGee for her hands-on and collaborative presence during filming. "It's rare to have a writer on set every day," Keenan reflected. "But she's there in a collaborative way as opposed to a controlling way. She has input into everything and she uses a lot of the same team, so everything and everyone for the greater good of whatever the project is."
McGee's cooperative spirit and sharp sense of humour are fully showcased in the series, which critics are already hailing as a "must-watch". Keenan added that this environment made the production a "really enjoyable place to work", highlighting the lack of ego and focus on collective creativity.
Keenan's Previous Collaborations with McGee
This is not the first time Keenan has worked with Lisa McGee. She has previously appeared in a guest role on Derry Girls, as well as in other projects like London Irish and Being Human. Her experience with McGee's writing and directorial style has evidently fostered a strong professional relationship, contributing to the seamless execution of this new Netflix series.
How to Get to Heaven From Belfast is now available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a blend of comedy, crime, and heartfelt drama set against the backdrop of Ireland and beyond.
