Netflix’s new thriller Wayward has quickly captured viewers’ attention, largely thanks to Toni Collette’s unforgettable performance as Evelyn Wade, the enigmatic head of Tall Pines Academy. Set in a seemingly quiet Vermont town, the series follows newcomer Alex Dempsey (Mae Martin) and his wife Laura (Sarah Gadon) as they uncover the dark secrets lurking behind the academy’s doors.
Evelyn, portrayed with chilling precision by Collette, combines a nurturing exterior with a deeply sinister core. Her manipulation of the students and staff blurs the lines between care and control, making her a character that’s as fascinating as she is terrifying. Critics have praised Collette’s ability to command the screen, elevating the series and keeping viewers on edge from start to finish.
Wayward also shines through its young cast. Alyvia Alyn Lind and Sydney Topliffe bring emotional depth as Abbie and Leila, two teens whose rebellion exposes the academy’s dark underbelly. With its mix of psychological suspense, eerie atmosphere, and morally complex characters, the show challenges viewers to question authority, trust, and the true meaning of “rehabilitation.”
For fans of suspenseful, character-driven mysteries, Wayward is a must-watch, and Toni Collette’s masterful performance ensures the series lingers long after the credits roll.
The Premise: A Town with Secrets
Wayward takes viewers back to 2003, a pre-smartphone era that adds a nostalgic eeriness to the story. The series follows Alex Dempsey (Mae Martin), a young police officer, and his pregnant wife, Laura (Sarah Gadon), who return to Laura’s hometown of Tall Pines seeking a fresh start. The couple soon discovers that the town’s charm masks a troubling reality: the Tall Pines Academy, a facility for “troubled” teenagers, wields influence far beyond its walls.
Laura herself was once a student at the academy, and her experiences there hint at deep-seated power dynamics that still affect her. Alex, drawn into the town’s mysteries, begins investigating disappearances and strange behaviors, uncovering the complex web that Evelyn Wade has spun around the town.
Evelyn Wade: A Character to Remember
Toni Collette’s portrayal of Evelyn Wade is the centerpiece of Wayward. Evelyn is warm and maternal on the surface, earning the trust of parents and townsfolk alike. Yet beneath that facade lies a calculating, manipulative leader who exerts control over both the teens and the adults around her. Collette seamlessly balances charm and menace, creating a character that is simultaneously compelling and terrifying.
Critics have noted that Collette’s performance gives the show coherence and depth, often carrying scenes that might otherwise feel overly complex or sprawling. From casual, almost comedic moments to intense, chilling sequences, Evelyn Wade embodies the power and danger inherent in institutions that claim to help vulnerable teens.
Parallel Stories: Teens in Trouble
Parallel to Alex and Laura’s story is the journey of two teenage girls, Leila (Alyvia Alyn Lind) and Abbie (Sydney Topliffe), who arrive in Tall Pines from Toronto. Leila, emotionally wounded by the loss of her sister, is rebellious and impulsive, dabbling in drugs and challenging authority. Abbie, her loyal friend, is more grounded and idealistic but finds herself drawn into the same dark environment.
The girls are sent to Tall Pines Academy, where they encounter cultish rituals, strict hierarchies, and the ever-present shadow of Evelyn Wade. Their attempts to resist and escape the academy form a core part of the narrative, highlighting the vulnerability of teenagers when confronted with manipulation and abuse. Through Leila and Abbie, the show examines trust, loyalty, and the struggle to maintain autonomy in oppressive circumstances.
The Adults of Tall Pines
Beyond Evelyn, the adult characters in Tall Pines add layers of intrigue and tension. Alex and Laura’s interactions with local authorities, such as Alex’s partner Andrews (Brandon Jay McLaren), reveal a town where appearances are deceptive. Other staff members at the academy, like Rabbit (Tattiawna Jones) and Duck (Joshua Close), hold positions of authority over students, often using empathy and guidance as tools for control rather than genuine care.
These adults are complex characters, each with their motivations and insecurities. Some genuinely believe in the academy’s mission, while others are driven by self-interest or fear of losing power. Wayward’s exploration of adult influence over teenagers underscores the series’ critique of institutional control and manipulation.
Themes and Social Commentary
At its heart, Wayward is more than a thriller—it’s a study of power, trauma, and adolescence. The show critiques the troubled teen industry, highlighting how institutions that promise rehabilitation can sometimes exploit vulnerable youth. The series poses difficult questions about accountability, parental trust, and the ethics of “fixing” teenagers through strict programs.
Additionally, the show explores personal identity, relationships, and the lingering effects of past trauma. Laura’s history with Tall Pines and the impact of Evelyn Wade’s influence on her life serve as a cautionary tale about the long-term consequences of institutional control. Similarly, the teens’ struggle to assert themselves in the face of manipulation resonates as a broader commentary on adolescence, rebellion, and resilience.
Genre-Bending Storytelling
Wayward defies easy categorization. It blends thriller, mystery, psychological drama, and dark comedy, keeping viewers on edge while offering moments of levity and emotional depth. Creator Mae Martin skillfully injects dry humor and subtle wit, balancing the series’ darker elements with humanizing touches.
The narrative structure is equally engaging. Parallel storylines intersect seamlessly, with Alex and Laura’s investigation gradually converging with the teens’ experiences. The show’s pacing is deliberate, allowing tension to build naturally while maintaining a sense of suspense and unpredictability. Each episode deepens the mystery, revealing new facets of the town, the academy, and its enigmatic leader.
Visuals and Atmosphere
Tall Pines, Vermont, is depicted with a hauntingly serene aesthetic. Cinematography emphasizes the contrast between idyllic landscapes and the sinister undercurrents of the town. Eerie forests, quiet streets, and the sprawling academy contribute to the series’ unsettling tone. Sound design further enhances the atmosphere, turning natural noises into cues for suspense and signaling potential danger lurking in every corner.
The 2003 setting adds authenticity and nostalgia, creating a time before smartphones made surveillance and instant communication ubiquitous. This choice heightens vulnerability and emphasizes the isolation of characters trapped in a controlled environment.
Supporting Performances
While Toni Collette shines, other actors also deliver standout performances. Mae Martin as Alex provides a dry, grounded presence amid the series’ eerie backdrop. Sarah Gadon as Laura captures the tension between independence and vulnerability, offering a nuanced portrayal of a woman haunted by her past.
The teen leads, Alyvia Alyn Lind and Sydney Topliffe, bring authenticity to their roles, portraying the confusion, defiance, and emotional complexity of adolescents navigating a manipulative environment. The supporting cast, including Patrick J. Adams, Joshua Close, and Tattiawna Jones, enriches the narrative with depth, tension, and occasional comic relief.
Final Thoughts
Wayward is a compelling series that delivers suspense, mystery, and psychological complexity in equal measure. Its exploration of the troubled teen industry, combined with the sinister influence of Evelyn Wade, makes for a gripping, thought-provoking viewing experience. Toni Collette’s performance is the linchpin, drawing viewers into the world of Tall Pines and making the series unforgettable.
Though genre-blending and sometimes deliberately ambiguous, Wayward remains engaging, emotionally resonant, and highly watchable. Its balance of dark themes, nuanced characters, and unsettling atmosphere ensures it will captivate audiences who enjoy thrillers with depth, mystery, and an eerie, almost hypnotic tension.
Wayward Q&A: Key Facts & Characters Explained
Q: What is Wayward about?
A: Wayward is a Netflix thriller set in 2003. It follows Alex and his wife Laura as they return to Laura’s hometown of Tall Pines and uncover the dark secrets of Tall Pines Academy, a school for troubled teens led by the mysterious Evelyn Wade.
Q: Who is Evelyn Wade?
A: Evelyn Wade, played by Toni Collette, is the head of Tall Pines Academy. She seems warm and caring but is actually controlling and manipulative. Collette’s performance makes her both fascinating and terrifying.
Q: Who are the main teen characters?
A: Leila (Alyvia Alyn Lind) and Abbie (Sydney Topliffe) are two friends from Toronto. They face strict rules and psychological challenges at the academy while trying to resist its influence.
Q: What are the main themes of Wayward?
A: The show explores power, trauma, adolescence, and the influence of institutions. It critiques the troubled teen industry and highlights trust, loyalty, and resilience among teens.
Q: Why is Wayward unique?
A: Wayward mixes thriller, mystery, psychological drama, and dark humor. Its 2003 Vermont setting, eerie atmosphere, and strong performances make it suspenseful, emotional, and unforgettable.