The new eight-part mystery drama Wayward delves into the controversial, multi-billion dollar “troubled teen industry” in the United States. Created by and starring comedian Mae Martin, the series explores the dark side of privately run therapeutic institutions that promise to rehabilitate difficult adolescents, often by transporting them from their homes against their will.
Martin, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, plays Alex Dempsey, a trans male police officer seeking a fresh start. Alex relocates to the seemingly idyllic Vermont town of Tall Pines with his pregnant wife, Laura (Sarah Gadon), following a traumatic incident on the job. Set in 2003, the series uses its pre-smartphone era to heighten the eerie atmosphere and effectively isolate its characters.
The town’s lifeblood is the Tall Pines Academy, a youth center run by the enigmatic and sinister Evelyn Wade. Toni Collette delivers a compelling performance as Wade, bringing a chilling coherence to the institution and the show itself. Alex’s suspicions are aroused when he investigates a runaway from the academy, uncovering the town’s blind acceptance of its power and a disturbing personal connection: Laura was once a student there and appears to remain under Evelyn’s influence.
A parallel storyline follows two teenage best friends from Toronto, Leila (Alyvia Alyn Lind) and Abbie (Sydney Topliffe). When Abbie’s strict parents send her to the academy, Leila’s rescue attempt leads to her own incarceration. Inside, the series depicts a cult-like environment rife with psychological manipulation, ritualistic group sessions, and pervasive abuse, all orchestrated by Evelyn’s commanding control over students and staff, who are former attendees themselves.
Wayward is a stylish and highly watchable series, particularly for its satisfying takedowns of manipulative adults. However, the show’s ambition is both a strength and a weakness. It attempts to juggle multiple genres—a critique of the teen rehabilitation industry, an exploration of youth, a mystery thriller, and a character-driven comedy—without fully mastering any single one. Despite this diffusion, the project is elevated by the warmth and intelligence that Martin brings as both a writer and performer. Their presence, along with a strong supporting cast, ensures the series remains endearing and ultimately makes for a compelling watch.
