Graphic of “How to Get to Heaven from Belfast,” and “Derry Girls,” made by Cecelia Lipman
Irish director Lisa McGee recently released a new show on Netflix titled “How to Get to Heaven from Belfast.” McGee had recently directed, “Derry Girls,” which ran from 2018 to 2022. Both shows explore the impenetrable importance of female friendship, community and of course, being Irish.
Derry Girls
“Derry Girls,” tells the story of 16-year-old Erin and her friends, Orla, Clare, James and Michelle. The show takes place in Derry, Northern Ireland, and along with being a coming of age story, it includes political aspects. The show takes place during The Troubles, which was a political conflict between Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. Although the show takes place in a war-ridden place, it also has the positive aspects of any coming-of-age show, along with various 90’s quirky music like En Vogue, Salt-N-Peppa and Ace of Base.
“Derry Girls,” was so special during its time on air because it transcended the boundaries of just Ireland. The show features many aspects unique to Ireland, but the overall themes of friendship, family and community are applicable to everyone.
“Its success is no fluke: the show is a masterclass in hitting the sweet spot between decades-honed sitcom tradition and refreshing nowness. Its nostalgia is bright and cosy like a jazzy 90s jumper; its portrayal of young women as morally ambivalent and intrinsically comic human beings a cathartic, satisfying relief.” Rachel Aroesti said from The Guardian.
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast
Similar to “Derry Girls,” “How to Get to Heaven from Belfast,” emphasizes the importance of female friendships, this time with less of a sit-com style and more of a mystery one. “How to Get to Heaven from Belfast,” tells the story of three women, Saoirse, Dara and Robyn embarking on a trip to Knockdara, a small coastal town outside of Belfast. They gather to attend their high school friend Greta’s wake.
“Though ‘How to Get to Heaven from Belfast’ is ostensibly a murder mystery, it often feels more like a buddy comedy,” Anna Russell said from The New Yorker.
They soon find out Greta is not really dead, and her disappearance is interlinked with a murder the four women committed back in high school. This prompts them to then journey across Ireland to find what happened to their friend, and figure out how her disappearance is linked to their previous crimes.
“These are women who know one another too well. They have heard every anecdote, every gripe, hundreds of times. It’s an intimacy that is both infuriating and joyful, and deeply satisfying to watch.” Russell said.
