Mae Martin's Netflix Series 'Wayward' Explores Troubled Teen Industry in Vermont

Mae Martin's Netflix series Wayward is a thriller set in the fictional Vermont town of Tall Pines, centering on a troubled teen facility led by the enigmatic and cult-like figure Evelyn Wade, played by Toni Collette. The story follows Alex, a transgender police officer, and teens Leila and Abbie, whose lives converge amid the dark mysteries of the facility, including Evelyn's controversial psychotherapeutic process called the "Leap." The show explores themes of trauma, cult influence, and the intense friendships among teens, drawing from Martin's personal experiences with the troubled teen industry and inspired by real accounts. While Wayward offers a mix of suspense and moments of levity, critics note its conventional storytelling and the depiction of the troubled teen industry, which has gained recent attention through documentaries and advocacy. The series ends ambiguously, particularly regarding the fates of Leila and Evelyn, reflecting the messy realities of trauma and belonging without neat resolution. Overall, Wayward stands as a dark, atmospheric exploration of a little-understood and often controversial sector of youth rehabilitation, balancing thriller elements with character-driven drama.