The new Netflix series Wayward, starring Toni Collette, is already causing a stir among viewers with its intense and unsettling storyline. Released recently, this psychological thriller intertwines the lives of two teenage girls and a police officer as they attempt to unravel the dark secrets of a cult-like reform school located in a small Vermont town. The show’s complex characters and gripping plot have left audiences eager and unsettled, marking Toni Collette Wayward Netflix as a must-watch for fans of suspenseful dramas.
Clarifying Misconceptions: ‘Wayward’ and ‘Wayward Pines’ Are Unrelated
Despite sharing a similar title, Wayward has no connection to the thriller series Wayward Pines. This clarification is important for viewers who might expect a continuation or thematic overlap. Instead, Wayward stands on its own, focusing sharply on the themes of teenage angst, manipulation, and mystery within a reform school setting. The show has carved out its unique identity, distancing itself from any assumptions tied to previous similarly titled works.
Plot Dynamics: Teens and a Cop Fight to Expose a Sinister Reform School
Wayward dives into the lives of Abby and Lyla, two teenage girls confined within the walls of Tall Pines Academy, an institution resembling a cult under the guidance of the unseen but profoundly influential headmaster, Evelyn, portrayed by Toni Collette. Mae Martin also stars as a police officer who relocates to the Vermont town with their wife, Sarah Gadon, and becomes involved in uncovering the academy’s disturbing inner workings.
Toni Collette described her character, Evelyn, as
“so complicated and there are so many elements of her that just butt up against each other. She’s quite controlled, but there is a bit of an ever-changing mood.”
This duality in Evelyn’s personality, calm yet unsettling, plays a crucial role in driving the tension throughout the series.
Mae Martin, who both created and wrote the show, acknowledged the challenges in shaping a series that marries teen struggles with hints of supernatural terror. They revealed that crafting the tone of Wayward involved weaving together multiple influences, including inspirations from other iconic works. Martin shared,
“There are moments from Twin Peaks that will be with me my whole life, that are really dreamlike and kind of tap into some universal subconscious.”
They also likened the series’ emotional intensity to the atmosphere of films like Rosemary’s Baby and Get Out, emphasizing authentic portrayals of youth with reference to Stand By Me, which, as Martin said, demonstrates
“performances of those kids, you know, the pacing… their timing’s incredible, and then seeing them break down.”
Character Complexity and Evolving Roles in ‘Wayward’
During a detailed conversation with DECIDER, Toni Collette elaborated on the initial intimidation she felt stepping into Evelyn’s role, given the character’s layered and often contradictory nature. She explained,
“As things start to kind of elevate, her veneer starts to crack a little and more and more is revealed.”
This emotional and psychological unraveling offers viewers a complex figure who balances control with instability.
Mae Martin discussed the genesis of the show’s central relationship, focusing on Abby and Lyla’s intense teenage friendship. They described it as a reflection of real teen experiences, capturing both the beauty and chaos of adolescence amid high stakes. Martin emphasized that despite the grave circumstances, the young characters still find moments of laughter and hysteria, reflecting a natural reaction to the absurd and hypocritical adult world surrounding them.
The actors also reflected on their evolving understanding of their characters as the scripts unfolded. Toni Collette initially received only three episodes but became deeply invested, finding the narrative to be “entirely fascinating” with each character and the town itself changing in a way that gradually reveals darker truths.
Sarah Gadon, portraying Mae Martin’s character’s wife, noted the initial ambiguity surrounding their role, saying that Martin sent actors notes alongside the scripts to warn,
“Okay, so I know she seems like this, but she’s not.”
Gadon expressed intrigue by playing a character with hidden facets, saying,
“Oh damn, you got my number. I do like that.”
Toni Collette echoed the appeal of such layered roles, and Mae Martin highlighted how early episodes present another character, Laura, initially seen through a male character’s idealized perspective. Martin revealed the desire to subvert expectations by revealing power struggles and more complex character arcs behind surface appearances. Gadon commented on Martin’s charisma in conveying these shifts, admitting,
“Agh, I have to do that.”
Where to Watch and Subscription Options on Netflix
All eight episodes of Wayward are now available exclusively on Netflix. The streaming service offers a range of subscription plans starting at $7.99 per month with standard access that includes ads, up to $24.99 monthly for premium ad-free streaming in 4K UHD quality. This availability makes it accessible for viewers eager to experience the series’ intense storytelling and mysterious atmosphere.
Why ‘Wayward’ Demands Attention From Psychological Thriller Fans
Wayward distinguishes itself through its rich character study, unsettling mood, and suspenseful plotting that gradually exposes a web of secrets within a seemingly quiet town’s reform school. Its significance lies in the atmospheric tension built around complex characters like Evelyn and the dynamic friendships portrayed with authenticity by younger actors. The series’ blend of psychological drama, subtle supernatural hints, and intense emotional stakes signals a shift in how streaming thrillers handle themes of control, power, and adolescent vulnerability.
For fans of Toni Collette and viewers drawn to dark, character-driven mysteries, Wayward provides a compelling, thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the final episode. As audiences watch the unfolding drama in Tall Pines Academy, they can expect more revelations that challenge perceptions and deepen the eerie ambiance. The series may also inspire further conversations about the portrayal of troubled youth and institutional power on screen, possibly setting a precedent for future psychological thrillers on Netflix and beyond.
