Netflix's Wayward: A Psychological Thriller That Reveals the Dark Side of the Troubled Teen Industry

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Netflix returns with another thrilling spectacle with its latest limited series, "Wayward Netflix," which officially released on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

The series promises a deep psychological thriller experience, inviting viewers to delve into the often-hidden dark side of the "troubled teen industry."

With eight episodes released simultaneously, "Wayward Netflix" is ready to delight fans of the mystery and drama genres.

The series not only delivers suspense but also addresses relevant social issues about the eternal struggle between one generation and the next.

Before its streaming release, "Wayward Netflix" already attracted attention at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where it premiered in the Primetime program.

WAYWARD, a new psychological thriller starring Mae Martin and Toni Collette, premieres in 12 HOURS. A police officer moves to a picture-perfect town and begins investigating a series of unusual incidents at a school for "troubled teens" led by a mysterious woman. pic.twitter.com/cMsVCd8ryR

— Netflix (@netflix) September 24, 2025

"Netflix's Wayward" is described as a unique blend of "Twin Peaks" and "Black Mirror," offering a psychological thriller rich with elements of teen drama and police procedural.

"Netflix's Wayward" is set in 2003 in the fictional town of Tall Pines, Vermont.

This small town appears perfect on the surface, but it harbors dark and disturbing secrets that are slowly revealed.

The main plot of "Netflix's Wayward" begins when two students attempt to escape from an academy for "troubled teens."

On their escape, the two join forces with a new police officer, and together they begin to uncover the dark secrets rooted in Tall Pines.

Although fictional, Netflix's "Wayward" is inspired by Mae Martin's personal experiences as a "delinquent teenager in the early 2000s" and the story of her friend who was institutionalized.

The type of show where they say "Not a whole lot happens around here" and then literally everything happens 🤌Wayward is now playing. pic.twitter.com/sLMAEcbq7t

— Netflix (@netflix) September 25, 2025

The "Wayward Netflix" series is the brainchild of Canadian comedian Mae Martin, who not only created and wrote the script but also stars as one of the main actors.

Martin also serves as co-showrunner and executive producer alongside Ryan Scott, ensuring her creative vision is successfully implemented.

The series' production involved a collaboration between London- and Los Angeles-based Objective Fiction and Canada's Sphere Media.

"Wayward Netflix" was filmed in various beautiful locations across Ontario, Canada, including conservation areas such as Kelso, Rockwood, Claireville, Greenwood, and Christie Lake.

Furthermore, several Toronto neighborhoods, such as Parkdale and Scarborough, also served as important settings for the series.

The production of "Wayward Netflix" has made a significant contribution to the Canadian economy, involving more than 2,400 local crew members and 650 vendors, and contributing over CAD $50 million in Gross Value Added.

"Netflix's Wayward" is directed by Skye Borgman.

Netflix's "Wayward" starred by talented casts.

Mae Martin plays Alex Dempsey, a trans police officer who recently moved to Tall Pines with his pregnant wife, bringing a fresh perspective to the town's mysteries.

Golden Globe-winning actress Toni Collette captivates as Evelyn Wade, the charismatic yet deeply disturbing leader of Tall Pines Academy.

Sarah Gadon plays Laura Redman, Alex's wife, a Tall Pines Academy graduate who misses the town's community, adding an emotional layer to the story.

Meanwhile, Alyvia Alyn Lind plays Leila, a student at Tall Pines Academy, and Sydney Topliffe plays Abbie, a new student sent to the academy after a series of disagreements with her parents.

The supporting cast of "Netflix's Wayward" also includes Brandon Jay McLaren as Dwayne Andrews, Tattiawna Jones, Isolde Ardies as Stacey, Joshua Close as Duck, and Patrick J. Adams as Wyatt Turner.

Netflix's "Wayward" deeply explores how trauma, control, and the longing for belonging shape the characters' choices.

Tall Pines Academy is portrayed as a "therapeutic school" but in reality, it does more harm than good.

The town of Tall Pines itself has a strong cult-like atmosphere, with overly friendly residents and a complete absence of children, creating an unsettling and enigmatic aura.

The series also reveals the backstory of Evelyn Wade, the academy's leader, who was once a cult member and later became the cult leader of Tall Pines.

Practices like "hot seating" are depicted based on real-life abuse tactics at therapeutic boarding schools, highlighting the cruelty that occurs behind closed doors.

Although designed as a limited series, the ending of "Netflix's Wayward" leaves room for continuation, and audiences have expressed interest in a second season.

However, the showrunners feel the series works well as a miniseries.

Reviews for "Netflix's Wayward" have been mixed so far, with a 76% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, and the ending has been described as both hopeful and heartbreaking, with Abbie successfully escaping Tall Pines, while Leila and Alex choose to stay.