Wayward is a chilling, twisted masterpiece. A brilliant cast and eerie plot prove that the most terrifying secrets are hidden in plain sight.
Netflix’s Wayward is a masterclass in psychological horror, expertly weaving an eerie and twisted mystery that feels unsettlingly real. The show’s power lies in its incredible cast and brilliant writing, which create a suffocating atmosphere of dread and paranoia.
What makes Wayward truly terrifying is its grounded premise; it’s a story that could happen in the real world, adding a layer of authenticity to the horror. It’s a chilling reminder that the most sinister secrets aren’t always found in haunted houses, but rather in the dark corners of human society, hidden in plain sight.
Right from the start, Wayward dives into the mystery element, and it really never lets up. Viewers discover that Tall Pines Academy is not just an ordinary school. Far too many kids have gone missing from there, and many have tried to escape. The longer the series goes on, the more we learn about the school, its creator Evelyn (Tonu Collette), and the town of Tall Pines itself.
WAYWARD. (L to R) Toni Collette as Evelyn, Mae Martin as Alex Dempsey, and Sarah Gadon as Laura in episode 102 of Wayward. Cr. Michael Gibson/Netflix© 2024
While there are two separate story lines going on at first, they do eventually coincide with one another as the characters cross paths. We have Alex Dempsey (Mae Martin) and Laura (Sarah Gadon) who arrive in Tall Pines. Laura is a graduate of the academy in town and her partner, Alex gets a job on the police force.
It doesn’t take long for him to instantly realize that something is not right about Tall Pines. Despite many residents, including his pregnant partner, trying to get him to stop digging, he simply cannot help himself.
At the same time, we see Abbie (Sydney Topliffe) and Leila (Alyvia Alyn Lind) struggling at their school. Without getting into too many details, they both, unsurprisingly, end up at Tall Pines. Leila is headstrong and immediately causes problems at the school, and starts to go toe-to-toe with Evelyn.
The rest of the season sees some questions answered, but a whole lot more popping up. It is eerie, mysterious, and especially creepy because there could absolutely be a school or town like this and we would have no idea.
What is especially impressive is that Mae Martin not only stars in the series (brilliantly, I might add) but is also the creator and co-writer. All too often, this is when talent bites off more than they can chew, and one aspect usually falls to the side, but everything about Wayward is done exceptionally well. I was hooked from the first few minutes and found myself binging the series.
This eight-episode first season ends with several loose ends, which terrifies me even more. Knowing that Netflix is calling it a limited series has me hoping and praying that they opt to pick it up for a second season. While the ending could work, there are so many questions left unanswered that it would drive me crazy if I never knew what comes next.
About Wayward
Nothing is what it seems in Tall Pines. After an escape attempt from an academy for “troubled teens”, two students join forces with a newly local police officer, unearthing the town’s dark and deeply rooted secrets.
Wayward streams on Netflix September 25.
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Wayward is a chilling, twisted masterpiece. A brilliant cast and eerie plot prove that the most terrifying secrets are hidden in plain sight.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.