The latest series from Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee lands viewers back in the rugged borderlands of County Donegal. How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, streaming now on Netflix, follows three former schoolmates who reunite for a funeral that quickly spirals into a tangled mystery. This review unpacks the plot, the performances, and the production flair, revealing why the show feels both familiar and fresh for fans of character‑driven thrillers.
Story
Two decades after leaving a Catholic school in Belfast, Saoirse (Roisin Gallagher), Robyn (Sinéad Keenan) and Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne) receive word that their long‑absent friend Greta (Natasha O’Keeffe) has died in a freak accident. Their journey home triggers a cascade of unsettling events: a sealed coffin that tempts Saoirse to peek, cryptic flash‑backs of a fire‑riddled night, and a string of odd coincidences that blur the line between paranoia and reality.
The narrative toggles between present‑day investigations and the 20‑year‑old incident that still haunts the quartet, echoing the dual‑timeline structure popularised by Yellowjackets. As the trio digs deeper, the small‑town setting acts as a character itself—nothing stays buried for long, and old acquaintances quickly shift from allies to potential suspects. The plot occasionally drifts into Scooby‑Doo‑style twists, but the underlying tension remains anchored in the girls’ shared trauma.
Performances
Gallagher delivers a grounded portrayal of a true‑crime producer whose curiosity borders on obsession, while Keenan shines as the affluent, multitasking mother trying to keep her family intact. Dunne’s Dara is a compelling mix of nervous energy and hidden strength, a closeted lesbian grappling with lifelong anxieties. The chemistry among the three leads feels authentic, honed by years of off‑screen friendship. Natasha O’Keeffe’s brief but poignant flashbacks give Greta a lingering presence that fuels the series’ emotional core.
Behind the Lens
McGee’s script balances razor‑sharp wit with genuine pathos, and director Michael Foster captures Donegal’s bleak coastline and cozy pubs in crisp, atmospheric shots. The production design—cracked stone walls, dimly lit police stations, and weather‑worn taverns—immerses viewers in a distinctly Irish milieu. The series’ soundscape, punctuated by traditional reels and modern low‑frequency hums, heightens the sense of impending dread without overwhelming the story.
Final Verdict
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast isn’t destined to eclipse the cult popularity of Derry Girls, yet it carves out its own niche by marrying dark comedy with a haunting mystery. The strengths lie in its richly textured setting, the magnetic trio of leads, and a script that keeps the audience guessing. While the plot can feel overly convoluted at times, the show’s heart—two generations of women confronting buried secrets—remains compelling. Fans of character‑centric thrillers and anyone curious about life on Ireland’s northern edge will find plenty to love.
