Netflix’s ‘Wayward’: Dark Secrets Unraveled in Troubled Teen Academy

TALL PINES, Vermont — In Netflix’s new eight-part mystery series, ‘Wayward‘, comedian Mae Martin creates a gripping narrative that delves into the murky world of the troubled teen industry. Set in 2003, the series follows Alex Dempsey, a police officer played by Martin, as he uncovers unsettling secrets in his wife’s hometown.

After a traumatic incident at work, Alex and his pregnant wife, Laura, portrayed by Sarah Gadon, move to Tall Pines for a fresh start. The idyllic setting, however, conceals the Tall Pines Academy, a rehabilitation facility operated by the enigmatic Evelyn Wade, played by Toni Collette. Evelyn exudes an unsettling authority that dominates the town and the academy.

As Alex investigates the mysterious disappearance of a student from the academy, he uncovers dark realities about the institution and its connections to his wife’s past. Laura’s history as a former student raises questions about Evelyn’s influence and the academy’s true purpose. Amidst chilling revelations, Alex is drawn into the unsettling dynamics of the academy, where manipulation and control reign supreme.

Supporting characters include a pair of teenage friends from Canada, Abbie and Leila, whose bond endures severe challenges. Abbie, played by Sydney Topliffe, is forcibly taken to the academy, while Leila, portrayed by Alyvia Alyn Lind, risks everything to rescue her. Their struggles reflect the broader themes of adolescent trauma and the impact of authority figures.

‘Wayward’ paints a complex portrait of innocence under threat, captured through a plot that oscillates between dark humor and dramatic tension. As the series unfolds, it challenges viewers to consider the vulnerabilities of youth in the face of predatory systems.

With Martin’s unique perspective as both writer and lead, ‘Wayward’ blends suspense with social commentary, inviting audiences to engage with its timely exploration of authority and exploitation in the troubled teen industry.