Netflix’s Divisive New Thriller Is The Perfect Show To Binge-Watch This Halloween

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Looking for a spooky show to watch this Halloween? Netflix’s new miniseries, Wayward, might be perfect. While some shows wrap things up neatly after one season, Wayward is a mind-bending thriller that’s both strange and disturbing.

By the end of Wayward, even attentive viewers will likely find some of the plot twists confusing. However, the show begins with a simple premise: Mae Martin plays Alex, a police officer who relocates to Tall Pines with their spouse.

Alex was hoping for a new beginning, and the town of Tall Pines seemed like the ideal place. It definitely reminded them of Twin Peaks with its beautiful landscapes and unusual residents, but at first, the town’s quirky characters seemed mostly harmless. That changed, however, when Alex discovered the town’s facility for correcting people’s behavior.

Wayward Is A Creepy Thriller With Horror Elements

Netflix

The horror aspects of Wayward really become apparent when Toni Colette’s character is introduced. She appears normal at first, running a facility that claims to help troubled teenagers. But the seemingly innocent description hides a darker truth: Colette’s camp is actually a cult focused on brainwashing rebellious teens.

It’s possible the unsettling things happening at the camp aren’t real, but are instead products of Alex’s imagination, or the troubled teenager he’s trying to help. The first season deliberately leaves things ambiguous, so if the show gets a second season, it will need to clarify what actually happened.

Some viewers might find the many unanswered questions in Wayward frustrating. However, the show’s release date suggests that the creators intentionally played into its unique and unsettling mix of genres, making a Halloween debut a perfect fit for this strange thriller.

While Wayward is often funny and cleverly written – a natural fit given the creator’s comedic experience – it’s not purely a comedy. Similar to the surprise horror hit Weapons, this show about suburban life also delivers genuine scares. The frightening scenes are presented seriously, and the show’s unsettling, dreamlike sequences clearly draw inspiration from the most terrifying parts of Twin Peaks.

Wayward’s Brief Runtime Makes It A Perfect Halloween Binge Watch

I’ve been a fan of Netflix’s horror offerings for a while, and while some of their older shows really pushed the boundaries with gore, Wayward is different. It’s not about shocking you with blood; it’s a genuinely creepy and thought-provoking watch that’s perfect for Halloween. It really reminded me of authors like Shirley Jackson and especially Ira Levin – it has a similar vibe to The Stepford Wives, exploring themes of control and what happens when everyone tries to fit in.

Setting the show in 2003 immediately gives Wayward a nostalgic feel, but also allows its creator to cleverly address issues that are still important today. Luckily, the show isn’t just a platform for these messages; its exciting and unpredictable plot keeps you hooked. Similar to Jordan Peele’s Get Out, Wayward successfully combines classic horror thrills with a smart and relevant message.

As a total film and TV buff, I’m always looking for something new to watch, and even with a packed schedule – like right now with Halloween prep! – I found time for Wayward. It’s a miniseries, so it’s not a huge time commitment. While we don’t know if there’ll be more episodes, it honestly feels like a complete story, even with its slightly open ending. It’s surprisingly satisfying for something so short!

Combining elements like cults, mind control, a police investigation, a runaway teen, and small-town life is a challenge for any show, and Wayward struggles with it due to its short episodes. Despite this, the story pieces eventually come together, and while the ending isn’t perfectly clear, it feels right and almost predictable when you watch it again.

Wayward Season 2’s Future At Netflix Is Not Yet Clear

If Wayward returns for a second season on Netflix, there are still many unanswered questions the show could explore. While it’s unknown if the creators planned for multiple seasons, it’s worth remembering that Stranger Things initially started as a single, limited series before becoming Netflix’s most popular show.

I really think we’re going to be seeing a lot more of Tall Pines in the future! What I love about Martin’s writing is how smartly funny it is, and it fits perfectly with the show’s strange and unpredictable vibe. But Wayward also delivers those classic thrills – sometimes you just want to relax and be creeped out by a good mystery, and it definitely does that.

While not flawless, and with some episodes not as strong as its captivating beginning and shocking finale, the Netflix miniseries Wayward is still highly recommended for anyone looking for a spooky Halloween binge. Even if a second season never comes to fruition, this year’s strangest thriller is a worthwhile, though unsettling, watch.

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2025-10-25 21:49