In recent years, a growing number of public figures, including Paris Hilton, have bravely opened up about their traumatic experiences in residential institutions designed for so-called “troubled teens.” Canadian comedian Mae Martin, who is BAFTA-nominated and has had their own tumultuous teenage years, created Netflix’s latest thriller, “Wayward,” which offers a chilling yet captivating look into a fictionalized version of these facilities. The series serves as a striking exploration of friendship, coercion, and the intricate lies that shape our identities and futures.
Set in 2003, Wayward opens in the picturesque town of Tall Pines, Vermont. The storyline kicks off with a teenage boy who breaks a window, escapes through it, and bolts into the surrounding forest as alarms sound and a distant voice echoes through the facility’s PA system. Meanwhile, in Toronto, the narrative shifts to high school students Abbie (Sydney Topliffe) and her best friend Leila (Alyvia Alyn Lind), who are enjoying a rebellious day by skipping class and smoking weed on the school rooftop. Their principal, Mr. Turner (Patrick J. Adams), is at his limit, particularly with Leila, who has faced additional turmoil after the loss of her older sister Jess (Devin Cecchetto). As a last resort and under Mr. Turner’s advice, Abbie’s parents consider Tall Pines Academy as a means to steer their daughter away from Leila’s influence.
Back in Tall Pines, we meet police officer Alex (Martin) and his pregnant wife Laura (Sarah Gadon), who have moved to the town seeking a fresh start. Despite Laura being familiar with the area as her hometown, Alex feels the odd, almost invasive closeness among its residents. As he begins to realize that the peace in Tall Pines may just be a facade, ominous hints of underlying tensions come to light—especially after he and his new partner Dwayne (Brandon Jay McLaren) almost collide with an agitated teen boy during their patrol.
Concurrently, Abbie finds herself abruptly taken from her bed and enrolled at Tall Pines Academy—with her parents’ consent—where she must adapt to the institution’s stringent rules and peculiar routines. Evelyn, the headmistress portrayed hauntingly by Toni Collette, has implemented a four-step program that feels alien and unsettling to Abbie. The atmosphere grows tenser when Leila, intent on rescuing her friend, arrives at the academy. Instead of liberating Abbie, Leila falls into Evelyn’s manipulative embrace, discovering a troubling comfort within her doctrines aimed at relieving grief and emotional turmoil.
Wayward masterfully weaves tension and mystery, consistently keeping viewers guessing about the true nature of Tall Pines Academy and the hidden agendas of its headmistress. The show explores not only the enigmatic origins of the academy and its founders but also delves into Evelyn’s manipulative strategies that isolate students and create a hierarchy among the staff. As the story unfolds, the unsettling dynamics within the town become increasingly apparent.
With its mesmerizing cast and continually twisting plot, Wayward emerges as an engaging and unpredictable series. Martin’s limited series—demanding a sequel—highlights the failures of coercive measures in addressing teenage rebellion, showcasing how charismatic individuals can wield power over those searching for guidance.
“Wayward” is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
