Movie Review: Sirens (1994)

Somewhat inspired by the real life and work of controversial Australian artist Norman Lindsay (Sam Neill), this is certainly a strange movie. It’s also part of a coming out party for New College, Oxford (my college) graduate Hugh Grant, who had a huge 1994, particularly with the far better Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Grant plays Anglican priest Anthony Campion, who’s sent with his wife, Estella (Tara Fitzgerald), to investigate claims of heresy made against Lindsay.

The movie’s never too concerned with this actual investigation, though, and it more centres around Estella’s confrontations with Lindsay’s models, and their frank and accepting view of sexuality.

Among them are actress Portia de Rossi (Arrested Development) and supermodel Elle Macpherson.

The movie definitely has its charms, particularly with its likable cast. Sam Neill is probably the best actor here, but it’s not a huge role.

But the movie also has its issues. The drama isn’t too compelling, and it’s certainly not as comedic as you’d expect from a mid-nineties Hugh Grant movie.

Rating: 6/10