Mae Martin acknowledges the perplexity surrounding the events in Tall Pines, the fictional Vermont village featured in the new Netflix series “Wayward,” which Martin conceived, wrote, and stars in. Questions arise about the cryptic statements made by the composed leader Evelyn Wade (portrayed by Toni Collette) at Tall Pines Academy, a school for troubled teens. Alex Dempsey (played by Martin) witnesses his pregnant wife, Laura (Sarah Gadon), exhibiting odd behavior shortly after their return to Tall Pines. Meanwhile, the students at the school raise suspicions about hidden malevolent activities, with Canadian teens Abbie (Sydney Topliffe) and Leila (Alyvia Alyn Lind) taking a stand.
Martin acknowledges the unexpected dark tone of the show, diverging from their previous lighthearted roles. The series delves into themes of adolescence and self-discovery amid external pressures. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival and subsequently on Netflix, “Wayward” swiftly climbed to the top spot globally in the English TV series category.
The show prominently showcases its Canadian identity, contrasting it with other popular content like “Kpop Demon Hunters.” “Wayward” focuses on the experiences of newcomers Alex, Abbie, and Leila in the enigmatic town. As the narrative unfolds, mysteries of disappearances and institutional rituals emerge, drawing the trio into a web of danger.
Despite its Canadian-centric approach, “Wayward” struggles to stand out in a crowded genre landscape. The series leaves many questions unanswered, adding to its eerie ambiance. The exploration of intimacy as a source of horror aligns “Wayward” with other thought-provoking narratives in the genre. The portrayal of queer themes adds depth to the story, although some aspects lack full commitment.
Strong performances by Martin and Collette drive the narrative forward, supported by standout portrayals like Isolde Ardies as Stacey. However, the storyline at times feels disjointed, veering off into tangents that hinder overall cohesion. While showing promise, “Wayward” falls short of reaching its full potential as a supernatural thriller.
As Martin’s initial creative endeavor, “Wayward” offers glimpses of brilliance that could be further explored in future seasons or projects. The series, though not without merit, has room for growth to achieve greatness in subsequent installments.