Mae Martin’s Wayward: What We Know About the New Netflix Thriller

Mae Martin stars in Wayward, a thrilling new Netflix series about power, identity, and secrets, streaming September 25, 2025.

As entertainment writers, we’ve been watching Mae Martin’s career evolve from open‑mic nights in Toronto to breakout success on the international stage. Their 2020 series Feel Good won hearts with its honesty and humour. Now Martin is charting a new path with Wayward, a psychological thriller arriving on Netflix tomorrow. The show marks a major shift from their previous comedic work and places a non‑binary performer at the centre of a dark, twisty mystery. Here’s what to expect when the eight‑episode series hits your screen.

What Is Wayward About?

Wayward unfolds in Tall Pines, an idyllic Vermont town with a sinister core. The heart of that darkness is Tall Pines Academy, a private boarding school for “troubled” teenagers. On the surface the institution promises to help kids who have fallen off the path; in reality it exerts control through secrecy and manipulation. The plot is set in motion when two students, Abbie and Leila, decide they’ve had enough and make a run for it. In the process they cross paths with a newly arrived police officer who is determined to uncover why so many young people are disappearing under the academy’s care.

Unlike the jump‑scare horror that dominates streaming charts, Wayward is a slow‑burn thriller. It uses atmosphere, character relationships and the claustrophobia of institutional life to build tension. The academy’s “treatments” are inspired by real‑world behavioural‑modification programs that have operated outside medical regulation for decades. As viewers follow the escape attempt, they’ll also witness how an entire town can be complicit in maintaining a harmful status quo. The show’s creators promise that beneath the suspense there’s a social commentary about power, adolescence and the ways society can fail young people.

Who Is Mae Martin and What Role Do They Play?

Mae Martin is a comedian, writer and actor from Toronto who uses they/them pronouns. They became well‑known through the Netflix series Feel Good and have been open about their own experiences with addiction and sexuality.

In Wayward, Martin co‑creates, co‑showruns and stars as Alex Dempsey, a trans police officer. Alex arrives in Tall Pines with a pregnant wife and quickly realises the town isn’t as wholesome as it appears. This character isn’t reduced to their gender identity; they are a professional, a partner and a future parent facing moral dilemmas. Casting a non‑binary performer in a lead role of a thriller is still rare, and Martin’s participation brings authenticity and representation to a genre that often lacks both.

When Is It Coming Out and Where Was Wayard Filmed?

All eight episodes of Wayward will be released on 25 September 2025. Netflix is dropping the entire season at once, making it perfect for a weekend binge. Although the series is set in Vermont, production took place in Canada. Filming began in early July 2024 and wrapped in mid‑October, with Toronto and nearby rural areas standing in for Tall Pines. Using Canadian locations allowed the team to capture forests and small‑town settings without leaving home. For us as Canadians, it’s always exciting to see our landscapes on a global platform.

What Inspired Wayward?

Martin conceived Wayward from a very personal place. They’ve said that as a teenager they often felt labelled and misunderstood, and a close friend was sent to a reform program that left her with traumatic memories. Those stories lingered and spurred Martin to research how privately run “troubled‑teen” institutions operate. In many cases, these programmes promise to help families but rely on strict control and isolation.

Rather than crafting a documentary, Martin turned these insights into a fictional thriller. The setting of a picturesque town allows the show to explore how communities can ignore abuses when they believe they’re helping. Influences range from the institutional critique of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest to the wit of modern teen comedies. The result is an entertaining series that still asks important questions about power and trust.

Who Is in the Cast of Wayward?

Martin is joined by an impressive ensemble. Toni Collette plays Evelyn Wade, the charismatic director of Tall Pines Academy whose calm demeanour hides a steely determination to keep her institution running at any cost. Sarah Gadon, known for roles in Alias Grace and Cosmopolis, portrays Laura, Alex’s wife. Patrick J. Adams from Suits plays a local doctor who may or may not be an ally. The younger cast includes Sydney Topliffe and Alyvia Alyn Lind as the brave teens seeking freedom. Familiar Canadian faces like Patrick Gallagher and Brandon Jay McLaren round out the lineup.

Cast List: Who’s in Wayward?

Here are the main cast members and the characters they portray:

• Mae Martin – Alex Dempsey, a trans police officer who uncovers the town’s secrets.
• Toni Collette – Evelyn Wade, the formidable director of Tall Pines Academy.
• Sarah Gadon – Laura Dempsey, Alex’s pregnant wife.
• Patrick J. Adams – a local doctor.
• Sydney Topliffe – Abbie, one of the students trying to escape.
• Alyvia Alyn Lind – Leila, another student seeking freedom.
• Patrick Gallagher and Brandon Jay McLaren – supporting roles.

What Can You Expect From the Series?

This isn’t a rush of jump scares. Wayward builds tension through mood, lingering shots and character development. Dark hallways, encroaching forests and oppressive schedules create a feeling of being trapped. To balance the heaviness, the writers sprinkle in dark humour and moments of warmth.

Underneath the thrills, the series invites us to question why we trust certain institutions and how quickly we dismiss young voices. Some adults will genuinely believe they’re doing right, while others will prioritise profits over people. This nuance elevates Wayward beyond a simple mystery and encourages reflection on autonomy and empathy.

Watch Wayward on Netflix!

We’re excited about Wayward for a few reasons. It puts a non‑binary performer at the centre of a genre that rarely features queer leads. It exposes an industry that often escapes scrutiny while still telling a compelling story. And it highlights Canadian talent on a global streaming service.

We also appreciate when entertainment has something meaningful to say. This series aims to both grip and provoke thought. We’ll be tuning in when it drops tomorrow, and we encourage you to join us to support inclusive storytelling and homegrown creativity.

Don’t forget to watch the trailer! Wayward is out tomorrow September 25th.