Published on March 30, 2026
Amid a barrage of depressing news stories, including the fallout from the Epstein files, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the destruction of Gaza, Iran’s suppression of protesters, Donald Trump’s contentious relationship with America’s allies, and record-breaking rainfall in January, many are looking for a good laugh. It is in this context that Lisa McGee’s much-anticipated follow-up to ‘Derry Girls,’ titled ‘How To Get To Heaven From Belfast,’ arrives.
This ambitious comedy mystery caper showcases stunning visuals created by a talented team of directors and cinematographers, including Michael Lennox, George Kane, Rachna Suri, Ashley Barron, Nathalie Pitters, and Daniel Stafford-Clark. The production design, set decoration, costumes, and hair and makeup also contribute to a visually captivating experience. But the question remains: do the scripts provide the depth and substance to match these visuals?
The narrative revolves around three friends: Saoirse, played , a successful police procedural writer; Robyn, portrayed , an irritable mother of three; and Dara, a devout lesbian Catholic played . Their reunion is sparked the death of a former school friend, which leads them to travel from London to Donegal to pay their respects.
During their journey, a mishap involving the wrong fuel causes Robyn’s car to break down, forcing the trio into the hands of a local mechanic, Liam, played , who also happens to be a police officer. Their stay at a bizarre hotel managed , portrayed O’Hanlon, introduces an element of surreal humor. The ensuing night gets out of hand as they indulge in a heavy drinking spree, leading to comedic yet chaotic situations.
The next morning, nursing hangovers, they find themselves at Greta’s family home for a wake that takes a peculiar turn. The family’s eerie demeanor and the discovery that the body in the coffin does not belong to Greta unlocks a series of bizarre events. The friends find themselves embroiled in a mystery spanning various locations, including Belfast, Portugal, Dublin, Donegal, and Co Cork.
As they navigate these twists and turns, familiar faces such as a tough Derry assassin, played , emerge, as well as bizarre side characters adding to the comedic chaos. Their adventure serves as a reminder of a fateful night from their teenage years involving a shared secret and a mysterious tattoo.
Despite a substantial budget from Netflix and the involvement of experienced writers, including McGee’s husband Tobias Beer, ‘How To Get To Heaven From Belfast’ struggles to maintain its momentum. The show finds itself grappling with pacing issues as it stretches over eight episodes, each almost an hour long.
Humor, often the cornerstone of McGee’s previous works, seems forced as the characters embark on their ‘Only Murders in the Building’-esque escapades. Some plot points emerge only to be abandoned without resolution, undermining narrative cohesion. Ultimately, while the leading actresses possess undeniable talent, their performances lean toward the zany side, which detracts from the viewer’s enjoyment.
Guest appearances from seasoned actors feel more like a slew of cameos than meaningful additions, some characters appearing briefly without becoming integral to the storyline. This leaves talents like Josh Finan, who has shown great promise in previous roles, feeling underutilized in a dual performance.
In terms of standout performances, Bronagh Gallagher shines as the gruff assassin Booker, while Saoirse Monica Jackson’s portrayal of her sidekick tends toward the surreal, often clashing with the show’s tone. The soundtrack features an assortment of catchy 2000s pop and country songs, but this vibrant element cannot mask the show’s reliance on overworked gags and humor that misses the mark, such as awkward jokes referencing uncomfortable real-life events.
Pre-publicity for the show hinted at influences such as ‘Murder She Wrote,’ with recognizable nods to Quentin Tarantino, the Coen Brothers, and even ‘Father Ted.’ In a potential roadmap for a second series, however, McGee and her team must prove themselves worthy of these high aspirations to avoid the fate of a show that fails to resonate.
Ultimately, ‘How To Get To Heaven From Belfast’ struggles to deliver the laughs and narrative satisfaction that its talented cast, potent premise, and lavish production indicated it might achieve. As viewers await news of a possible sequel, there is hope that if given another chance, McGee and her crew can harness their collective skills to create a series that truly lives up to the expectations set forth title and its predecessor.
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