Sirens

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"In the 1930s, an artist and his models scandalized a nation with their controversial paintings. For a young couple, meeting them was the experience of a lifetime."
  • R
  • 1994
  • 1 hr 35 min
  • 5.9  (11,437)
  • 64

Sirens is an Australian drama film released in 1994 which was directed by John Duigan. The film is set in 1930s Australia and tells a story about a young British reverend named Anthony Campion (played by Hugh Grant) who is sent by the Anglican Church to persuade heretical artist Norman Lindsay (played by Sam Neill) to remove a painting depicting a naked Virgin Mary from his collection. The controversial artwork that Anthony is trying to banish is called The Crucified Venus and is being posed for by a local beauty named Sheela (played by Tara Fitzgerald). The film explores the tensions between the stifled religious sensibilities of Anthony and the free-spirited attitudes of the bohemian artists that surround him.

Upon his arrival to Lindsay's estate, Campion meets his wife Rose (played by Elle Macpherson) and the three models the Lindsays employ: the vivacious and flirtatious Pru (played by Portia de Rossi), the shy but artistic Giddy (played by Kate Fischer), and the beautiful and ethereal Sheela. As Campion becomes further immersed in the bohemian lifestyle and it's captivating creative environment, his own morality is tested as he finds himself drawn to Sheela in unexpected ways.

The film takes a leisurely, uninhibited look at the liberal attitudes of the artists, their compelling philosophical perspectives, and their unapologetic hedonism. The Lindsays and their extended family often push the limits of propriety, throwing scandalous parties fueled by free-flowing booze, open-sexuality and wild artistic expression. While the devoutly religious Campion struggles to reconcile his own values with those of the freewheeling artists, all three models begin to exert an undeniable influence over him which he can't deny. The film explores the nature of sexuality, beauty and attraction, and the role these things play in a life of faith.

As Campion becomes increasingly entangled in the bohemian world around him, his faith begins to falter as he is forced to confront his own desires and prejudices. The film depicts a society that is morally and culturally divided, its traditional values challenged by the freedom and eroticism of artists like the Lindsays. The characters all struggle to find a balance between their artistic expression and their moral obligations. As the artist and the reverend continue to clash and debate the nature of art, morality, and sin, they eventually realize that each has something to learn from the other, and that beauty and faith must coexist in order for us to understand what it truly means to be human.

Sirens is a visually stunning film with a fantastic cast of actors who are all at the top of their game here. Hugh Grant delivers an excellent performance as the conflicted reverend, while Sam Neill's charismatic portrayal of Norman Lindsay perfectly captures the seductive nature of the bohemian lifestyle. The three female models played by Tara Fitzgerald, Portia de Rossi, and Kate Fischer are all superb in their respective roles, each bringing something unique and captivating to every scene they're in.

Overall, Sirens is a beautifully shot and evocative film, exploring themes of art, sexuality, faith, and morality. Its effortless blending of these topics and its unapologetic embrace of the challenge of reconciling them makes it a uniquely compelling piece of cinema. Seeking to balance or integrate our spiritual, intellectual and artistic sides is a difficult path, but Sirens suggests that it is a journey worth taking. It delivers a pointed message about the power of art to broaden one's understanding of the world we live in, while also serving as an incredibly entertaining drama that's full of wit, charm, and sensuality.

Sirens is a 1994 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 64.

Sirens
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Where to Watch Sirens
Sirens is available to watch free on Pluto TV and Tubi TV. It's also available to stream, download on demand at Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV Channels and The Roku Channel. Some platforms allow you to rent Sirens for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1994
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 35 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.9  (11,437)
  • Metascore
    64