TV Shows We Love: Wayward
"Wayward" is a gripping psychological thriller centered on a mysterious reformation school for troubled teens, nestled behind tall pine trees within a seemingly perfect community.
Plot Overview
The story begins with a terrified teenage boy fleeing through a broken window, setting off a chain of events in the town. When an officer and his wife move into the area, they uncover dark secrets about the school's charismatic founder, who resembles more a cult leader than a traditional principal.
Characters and Performances
- The series features Toni Collette as Evelyn, the enigmatic and chilling leader of the school.
- Comedian Mae Martin serves as both the creator and lead actor, portraying a non-binary police officer married to a pregnant wife.
Unique Representation
Mae Martin’s character offers a fresh and nuanced portrayal of queer identity. Their queerness is naturally integrated into the story, enriching the character without being the central focus.
Series Format and Impact
Spanning just eight episodes filled with intense chases and suspense, "Wayward" delivers a tightly woven narrative that can be binged in a short time.
"Apart from the incredible performance by Toni Collette, who plays Evelyn, the school’s leader, Mae’s character is striking. The non-binary actor plays a non-binary cop, married to his pregnant wife. This portrayal of queer characters is refreshing to watch and even more so because their queerness is not the star of the show but simply a detail of the character."
Author’s summary: "Wayward" combines eerie storytelling with complex characters and progressive representation, creating a suspenseful and thoughtful psychological thriller.
Would you like the summary to be more formal or casual?