Mae Martin acknowledges the potential confusion audiences may face while delving into the mysteries of Tall Pines, the fictional Vermont town featured in the new Netflix series “Wayward,” which Martin created, wrote, and stars in. The enigmatic leader of Tall Pines Academy, Evelyn Wade (played by Toni Collette), leaves the residents puzzled with her cryptic statements, such as referring to a mother having a door in her mouth. Alex Dempsey (portrayed by Martin) witnesses strange occurrences involving his wife Laura (played by Sarah Gadon), while the students at the academy hint at hidden malevolence.
Despite the eerie tone of “Wayward,” which diverges from Martin’s usual comedic roles, the series aims to explore themes of adolescence and identity amidst external pressures. Following its successful premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and subsequent launch on Netflix, “Wayward” quickly climbed to the top spot in the streamer’s global TV category for English series, shining a spotlight on Canadian storytelling.
The show’s Canadian essence is prominently displayed through its characters’ experiences as newcomers to Tall Pines, showcasing a blend of mystery and drama intertwined with Canadian identity. As the narrative unfolds, the characters navigate a web of secrets within the school while wrestling with personal struggles, adding layers to the storyline. Despite its intense themes, “Wayward” manages to infuse elements of queer representation and introspection, enhancing the narrative depth.
While the series offers intriguing performances from Martin and Collette, some characters like Stacey are underdeveloped, potentially hindering the overall cohesion. Although “Wayward” teases with promising storylines and a poignant conclusion, it occasionally sidesteps critical plot points, leaving viewers craving more substantial resolutions. As a debut project from Martin, “Wayward” shows glimpses of brilliance that could flourish in future seasons or future endeavors by the creators.
In the saturated landscape of supernatural thrillers, “Wayward” holds its ground but falls short of reaching greatness in its current form. However, with room for growth and refinement, the series stands poised for potential evolution in subsequent installments or projects led by Martin.