Wayward Netflix Review: A Dark Cult Thriller — Stream It or Skip It?
Key Takeaways
- Wayward is an eight-part Netflix limited series created by and starring Mae Martin, marking a shift from their previous work in 'Feel Good'.
- The story is set in 2003 in Vermont and revolves around a controversial boarding school run by Evelyn Wade, played by Toni Collette, and follows the perspectives of Alex Dempsey and Laura.
Wayward is an eight-part Netflix limited series created by and starring comedian Mae Martin, marking a significant genre shift from their previous work in the semi-autobiographical dramedy Feel Good . Set in 2003, the story centers on the seemingly idyllic Vermont town of Tall Pines, which is home to a controversial boarding school for “troubled teens” run by the enigmatic Evelyn Wade, played by Toni Collette .
The narrative unfolds through two main perspectives :
- Alex Dempsey (Mae Martin) and Laura (Sarah Gadon): A couple who move to Tall Pines for a fresh start. Laura is an alumna of Tall Pines Academy who credits Evelyn with saving her life, while Alex, a trans man and former Detroit cop, grows increasingly suspicious of the school after a encounter with a terrified runaway student .
- Abbie and Leila (Sydney Topliffe and Alyvia Alyn Lind): Two teenage best friends from Toronto whose intense friendship leads to them being sent to the academy, where they experience its brutal rehabilitation methods firsthand .
Strengths: What Makes “Wayward” Compelling
Wayward has been praised for several key elements that create a captivating, if unsettling, viewing experience.
- Toni Collette’s Magnetic Villainy: Critics unanimously praise Toni Collette’s performance as the core strength of the show. She masterfully embodies a character who is both warmly empathetic and subtly terrifying, moving smoothly between steely authority and cloying empathy . Her Evelyn Wade is a hypnotic guru figure whose persuasive charm makes the show’s central mystery all the more believable .
- A Confident, Character-Driven Mystery: The series excels as a character study, particularly in exploring the psychological manipulation behind cult-like dynamics . The complex relationships between Alex, Laura, and Evelyn are absorbing, with Sarah Gadon’s performance effectively oscillating between supportive wife and suspicious alumna . The show thoughtfully examines why individuals might be drawn into and remain loyal to a toxic system .
- Relevant and Thought-Provoking Themes: Wayward intelligently taps into the very real and disturbing “troubled teen industry,” using its thriller framework to comment on parental anxiety, institutional abuse, and the flaws of systems designed to “fix” young people . The series also seamlessly weaves in themes of identity and community through Alex’s experience as a trans man in a new environment .
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Weaknesses: Potential Frustrations for Viewers
Despite its strengths, the series has notable drawbacks that may frustrate some audiences.
- A Divisive and Unsatisfying Finale: The most common criticism among reviewers is the final episode, which some found to be a letdown . The resolution has been described as dipping into “campy” territory, feeling convoluted, and failing to deliver a payoff that matches the suspense built over the first seven episodes . One review even suggested that viewers might be better off making up their own ending .
- Familiar Genre Tropes and Pacing: Some critics noted that the show’s core mystery—an outsider uncovering small-town secrets—follows familiar beats without bringing significant innovation to the genre . The pacing is deliberately languid, meant to build a sense of dread, but may feel slow to viewers craving more immediate action or answers .
How It Compares: “Wayward” vs. Similar Shows
If you enjoyed the following series, you might find Wayward to be a compelling watch:
- For fans of eerie small-town mysteries: The show shares DNA with Twin Peaks and Wayward Pines (though it is not related to the latter) .
- For those interested in stories about institutional control: It draws clear inspiration from Stephen King’s The Institute and the real-world exposé The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping .
- For viewers of character-driven thrillers: The tone has been compared to Yellowjackets and Nine Perfect Strangers, the latter especially for Toni Collette’s cult-leader-like role .
Final Verdict: Stream It or Skip It?
Wayward is a series with high ambitions, powered by stellar performances and a genuinely creepy atmosphere. It successfully explores complex themes and will likely keep you engaged episode after episode. However, the journey is arguably more rewarding than the destination, and your overall satisfaction will heavily depend on how much weight you place on a conclusive and satisfying ending.
If you prioritize mood, character depth, and social commentary over a neatly wrapped plot, you will find much to appreciate. If a weak or ambiguous finale tends to ruin a show for you, you may want to approach with caution.
✅Stream It.
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Loading ...FAQs
Q1: What is Wayward about?
A1: A mystery thriller set in 2003 about a boarding school hiding dark secrets, starring Mae Martin and Toni Collette.
Q2: Is Wayward worth watching?
A2: Yes, for fans of psychological thrillers, cult dynamics, and strong character-driven stories — despite a divisive finale.
Q3: How many episodes are in Wayward?
A3: Wayward is an eight-episode limited series streaming now on Netflix.
Wayward
Our Rating:⭐3/5
Network Netflix
Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Limited Series
Release Date: September 25, 2025
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 8
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