THE LONELY LIFE OF A BILLIONAIRE'S WIFE

As Julianne Moore shocks fans in Sirens, she talks about getting inside the head of a controlling woman – and the joy of working with new and old friends

- GILL PRINGLE

Widely viewed as the epitome of elegance, Julianne Moore can understand why her latest role has sparked an adverse reaction in some fans.

In new Netflix drama Sirens, she commands attention as Michaela, the creepy wife of a billionaire who seeks to control everyone around her - particularly her young personal assistant Simone, played by Milly Alcock.

The bizarre connection between the two women becomes clear when Michaela takes some chewing gum out of her mouth and gives it to Simone to freshen her breath.

The scene, which has become a talking point online, was awkward to film, particularly as it was one of the first Julianne did with Milly.

“That poor girl; I really felt for her. Oh my God,” she says. “It was really awful. But she was a very good sport about it.”

The Academy Award-winning actress showed off a sharp new bob in New York at the world premiere of Sirens, which has been likened to The White Lotus, thanks to its luxurious settings.

Ignored by her husband Peter, played by Kevin Bacon, Michaela drifts around her mansion in designer gowns, spending her days holding fundraisers and rescuing injured birds.