Mae Martin acknowledges the potential confusion surrounding the events unfolding in Tall Pines, the fictitious Vermont village featured in “Wayward,” the latest Netflix series that Martin conceived, scripted, and stars in. One might wonder about the cryptic statements made by the enigmatic leader Evelyn Wade (portrayed by Toni Collette) at the Tall Pines Academy, a school with a cult-like atmosphere for troubled youths. Questions arise, such as the peculiar reference to a door inside a mother’s mouth, the mysterious behavior of Alex Dempsey (played by Martin) witnessing his pregnant wife Laura (portrayed by Sarah Gadon) sleepwalking into the lake shortly after returning to Tall Pines, and the unsettling claims made by the school’s students about hidden malevolence. Notably, Canadian teens Abbie (Sydney Topliffe) and Leila (Alyvia Alyn Lind) emerge as the proactive individuals in uncovering the truth.
Martin is conscious of the potential confusion surrounding the series’ tone as well. Given their history of light-hearted roles, the shift to a more sinister narrative might surprise viewers. However, Martin clarified in an interview with the cast that the intention was to explore themes of adolescence and identity amidst external pressures, with the eerie elements naturally weaving into the storyline.
Following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and subsequent release on Netflix, “Wayward” quickly ascended to the top spot in the streamer’s global English TV category. The series has been instrumental in highlighting Canadian content, aligning with the success of “Kpop Demon Hunters,” directed by Canadian filmmaker Maggie Kang.
“Wayward” delves into the lives of Alex, Abbie, and Leila, newcomers navigating the peculiar, insular environment of Tall Pines. As Alex, a troubled transplanted cop, delves into the school’s mysteries, a pattern of disappearances emerges, drawing Abbie and Leila into a dangerous game of revelation and survival within the institution’s enigmatic hierarchy.
The show’s aggressively Canadian identity is a recurring theme, emphasizing its roots and connections to Canadian culture. While the series offers a decent thriller, it struggles to differentiate itself in a saturated genre landscape, relying heavily on its Canadian identity as a distinguishing factor. Despite these challenges, “Wayward” manages to convey a sense of unease and exploration of queer themes, albeit with some narrative inconsistencies.
Driven by compelling performances from Martin and Collette, the series falls short in fully capitalizing on its potential, leaving some plot threads unresolved and character arcs underdeveloped. While aspects of the show hint at future promise, particularly the poignant conclusion, “Wayward” falls short of greatness in its current iteration.