Wayward is a Canadian mystery-thriller limited series created by Mae Martin for Netflix. The show stars Martin alongside Alyvia Alyn Lind, Sydney Topliffe, and Toni Collette, among others. Set in 2003 in the fictional town of Tall Pines, Vermont, Wayward premiered on Netflix on September 25, 2025.
The story follows best friends Leila and Abbie, two students determined to escape from an academy for troubled teens. The series spans eight hour-long episodes, each delving deeper into their struggle and the mysteries surrounding the academy.
Wayward has an engaging narrative that immediately draws you in by the first four episodes, you’ll likely want to binge to the end. However, the payoff at the finale is underwhelming and not what you might expect. The acting from Toni Collette is impressive, but unfortunately, the same cannot be said for series creator Mae Martin, who plays Alex. Their performance is lackluster and at times distracting, making the limited series a somewhat frustrating watch.
This limited series started out strong but faltered due to overstuffed and unnecessary episodes. Many character motivations felt inconsistent and illogical, which undermined the story. For example, Alex, who is supposed to serve as an authoritative police officer, comes across more like an inexperienced high schooler. Similarly, Laura’s role in the marriage feels more maternal than romantic, with a striking lack of on-screen chemistry. These issues make the series frustrating despite its promising start.
Overall, Wayward delivers mystery and some standout supporting performances from the teenage cast, but weak lead acting and unresolved plot issues make it a largely forgettable limited series.
