Wayward is psychological mystery involving a troubled teen academy and a shady head teacher

C

reated by and starring comedian and musician Mae Martin, Wayward tells the increasingly familiar story of “camps” created for “troubled teens” whose surface-level purpose is to whip kids into compliance and discipline the rebellion out of them. In reality, these camps are absolute cesspools of abuse, neglect, and secrecy. With more survivor stories revealed, it’s a wonder any still operate.

This miniseries takes place in fictional Tall Pines and focuses on Martin’s character, Alex Dempsey, a young police officer who’s moved to town with his pregnant wife, Laura (Sarah Gadon), who once attended Tall Pines Academy. The small town has a strange air to it, and Alex can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right, especially when it comes to the academy’s leader, Evelyn (Toni Colette). Laura is weirdly loyal to the strange woman who’s inserting herself into their lives, and when Alex gets a radio message from a teen trying to escape, he knows that the shiny package presented by Evelyn must hold darker secrets. 

This mysterious drama is spellbinding, as is Colette in this and every role. If you like peeking into deep dark corners, Wayward has many. Totally bingeable. (eight 40- to 50-min. episodes) ∆

This article appears in Oct 23 – Nov 2, 2025.

Related

Local News: Committed to You, Fueled by Your Support.

Local news strengthens San Luis Obispo County. Help New Times continue delivering quality journalism with a contribution to our journalism fund today.