Wayward Divides Critics And Fans As Netflix’s Top Thriller

Netflix’s latest sensation, Wayward, has not just captured the top spot on the streaming platform—it’s ignited a fierce debate among critics and audiences, leaving viewers both enthralled and bewildered. This cult thriller, created by Canadian actor and comedian Mae Martin, is set in the fictional town of Tall Pines, Vermont, in 2003, and it’s become the talk of the internet for more reasons than just its twisty plot.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, Wayward currently boasts a 79% Tomatometer score from critics, but only a 47% Popcornmeter score from audiences. That’s a striking divide, and it’s not just about taste—there’s a deeper story behind those numbers. As reported by multiple outlets, the show has been subject to review bombing, a phenomenon that often plagues series with LGBTQ+ creators or leads. In this case, many audience reviews have actively misgendered Mae Martin, who is nonbinary, and targeted the show for its representation. Yet, not all negative reviews stem from bigotry; some viewers have voiced genuine critiques about the acting and writing, echoing (at least in part) some of the critics’ reservations.

The storyline itself is a labyrinth of dark secrets, psychological manipulation, and ambiguous morality. The central plot follows Alex (played by Martin), a police officer, and his pregnant wife Laura (Sarah Gadon) as they move from Detroit back to Laura’s eerie hometown of Tall Pines. Almost immediately, the couple senses that something is off—not just with the town, but with the notorious Tall Pines Academy, a boarding school for troubled youth run by the enigmatic and menacing Evelyn Wade (Toni Collette).

As detailed by Rotten Tomatoes and various reviews, the series splits its narrative between the adults—Alex and Laura—and the teens inside the academy, primarily Leila (Alyvia Alyn Lind) and Abbie (Sydney Topliffe). The school is a crucible of psychological torment, featuring a hierarchy of “phases” and disturbing “Hot Seat” sessions where students are forced to berate one another. The show’s most chilling invention is “leaping,” a therapy devised by Evelyn that involves drug-induced trances, water immersion, and a haunting mantra: “You’re lying on your back, crying out for your mother. She is standing, facing the wall. She has her back to you. A bell rings. Your mother turns to face you. She is silent, but her mouth is open wide. In her mouth is a door.”

Critics have largely praised the writing for its complexity and nuance. “The story was complex, nuanced, and gripping,” wrote one reviewer, highlighting the show’s ability to weave together multiple timelines and psychological mysteries. Even those who found the acting inconsistent—especially in the first episode—often conceded that the narrative’s ambition and the moody, surreal atmosphere made up for its flaws. Toni Collette’s performance as Evelyn Wade, in particular, has been singled out for acclaim, with even four-star reviews noting that she “shone as an actor.”

Audiences, however, have been less forgiving about the performances. Many viewers described the acting as subpar or even “straight up bad,” and some found the writing uneven—especially in the premiere, which was criticized as “corny and cheesy.” Yet, those who stuck with the series often reported that it improved dramatically after the first episode, with the second half considered “unquestionably better than the first.”

The finale has proven to be the most divisive element of all. Critics, for the most part, loved the twisty, horror-inspired ending, calling it “more terrifying than most horror shows.” Some did find it muddled, but they generally appreciated its ambition. Audiences, on the other hand, were split nearly down the middle—about half loved the ending’s surreal turn, while the other half found it confusing and unsatisfying. According to reviews, many viewers didn’t even make it to the finale, which may explain the low audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

So what actually happens in the end? The final episodes are a fever dream of metaphysical body-swapping, unresolved mysteries, and ambiguous fates. Evelyn, after years of manipulating students and townsfolk alike, is subjected to her own “leaping” therapy by Rabbit (Tattiawna Jones), her increasingly disillusioned second-in-command. In a psychedelic trance, Evelyn confronts visions of herself and endless doors, while Laura gives birth to her baby in a parallel scene. In a bizarre ritual meant to “break the pattern,” the residents of Tall Pines take turns holding the newborn shirtless—a moment that leaves Alex deeply unsettled.

The show leaves several threads dangling. Did Evelyn die, or was her consciousness transferred elsewhere? Did Leila really kill her sister, or was her memory manipulated? And what’s with the recurring motif of toads—creatures linked to the hallucinogenic drug used in “leaping”? The series raises more questions than it answers, with many reviewers speculating that it’s angling for a second season, though no renewal has been announced as of October 1, 2025.

One of the most striking features of Wayward is its refusal to provide closure. The show ends with Abbie escaping alone into the night, Alex choosing to remain with Laura in Tall Pines, and the town’s future uncertain. The audience is left to ponder the meaning of trauma, the dangers of charismatic authority, and the blurry line between psychological horror and the supernatural. As one critic put it, “What started off as a fairly straightforward mystery ended up a quagmire of visions and dreams and out-of-body experiences.”

Despite—or perhaps because of—its polarizing reception, Wayward has become a must-watch for anyone interested in twisted stories, cult psychology, and surrealist horror. The show’s exploration of abuse, manipulation, and the search for identity is both timely and unsettling, making it a perfect fit for the current era of prestige television that isn’t afraid to leave viewers with more questions than answers.

Whether you’re a fan of complex mysteries, psychological thrillers, or just want to see what all the fuss is about, Wayward is undeniably worth a look. Just don’t expect all the answers—and be prepared to join the debate.