Devon and Simone referenced a code word in Sirens, and its full meaning is more tragic than you might have realized. The Netflix series explores the decisions these sisters and those around them make in response to their respective traumas. This relates directly to the show’s title, Sirens. At first, it seemed as if Simone’s boss, Michaela, might have been some sort of monster who lured people into a disturbing cult—a siren of Greek mythology. Of course, this wasn’t really the case. Michaela was just like Devon and Simone, who used the word “siren” in a very different way.

Early on in Sirens, we see that Devon had previously texted the word “siren” to her sister. Simone ignored the text, and this was a tipping point for Devon, ultimately contributing to her decision to come after her sister at the Kells’ mansion. Precisely what “siren” actually means is never overtly stated. However, we can conclude through context that these sisters had agreed on this code word to indicate a mental health emergency. Devon sent the text when she was at her breaking point, and they likely agreed on this code word after Simone’s previous suicide attempt. Still, there is far more to it.

Devon & Simone’s Code Word Has A Tragic Double Meaning In Netflix’s Sirens

There Are Several Layers To The Word “Sirens”

Sirens revealed that Devon and Simone’s mother had killed herself when they were both children. Years later, Simone attempted suicide and survived, and it’s implied that this is when the sisters agreed on the code word “siren.” If either of them texted this word to the other, they would know that it meant a mental health crisis and could respond accordingly. Precisely why they chose this word is never stated. However, when looking at the overarching themes of Sirens, not to mention the show’s title, we can see that Simone and Devon’s code word has a double meaning.

In Greek mythology, Sirens are monsters that use their cry to lure sailors to their deaths. Devon and Simone use the word “siren” as a cry for help, telling the other to drop everything and come save them. While one version of the word indicates a predator and the other a victim, the concept here is similar. Sirens blurs the lines between monster and prey, revealing how people who are suffering tend to be drawn toward others in pain. Devon, Simon, Michaela, and even Peter were all being drawn to others while they themselves were luring people in.

To the younger sister, Devon’s cry for help was like a deadly siren song.

When Devon texted the word “siren” to Simone, the younger sister was supposed to drop her new life to come help. However, she chose to ignore the cry, fearing that she would be dragged back into her past trauma. It was a selfish decision, but also understandable considering Simone’s past. To the younger sister, Devon’s cry for help was like a deadly siren song. If Simone were lured in by it, she would risk being pulled under the waves forever. It’s a tragic concept, since Devon wasn’t wrong for asking her sister for help. Sirens simply explores the reality of reacting to another person’s pain.

Why Devon Ignored Simone’s Final Siren Song In Sirens’ Ending

Was She Right Or Wrong?

Sirens really played around with the idea of these feminine monsters of Greek mythology. Initially, we were all meant to suspect that Michaela was a siren, but the miniseries ultimately revealed that all the characters were drawing others in or being drawn toward someone else’s pain. In Devon’s case, she couldn’t resist the siren call that Simone was constantly, unconsciously putting out. Every choice the younger sister made felt like a cry for help to Devon, but she ultimately had to break the cycle and choose to let Simone make her mistakes.

Sirens explores how people in pain aren’t monsters, even when they unconsciously entrap someone else with their pain. It’s also emphasized that female characters are more likely to be accused of being monsters compared to the men.

Simone’s final decision in Sirens to marry Peter was, in a significant way, a siren song. It was a cry for help, just as the word “siren” had been when Devon texted it to her little sister. This time around, it was Devon’s turn to ignore the call. She noted in Sirens’ ending that she was proud of herself for leaving college to help Simone back then. However, this time around, she made a different choice for herself. Whether this was the right or wrong choice, on the other hand, is up to each Sirens viewer to decide.