A Riveting Preview of Mae Martin’s New Horror-Thriller Series "Wayward" Featuring Toni Collette

Mae Martin, known and loved as a talented Canadian comedian, takes a bold step away from their comedic roots with a new horror-thriller series called "Wayward." This mini-series isn't just another project—Martin describes it as "the passion project I've always wanted," marking a stark departure from their well-known Netflix series "Feel Good."

Diving deep at Tall Pines Academy

"Wayward" unfolds within and around Tall Pines Academy, a secretive fictional institution that holds many mysteries. Martin steps in as Alex Dempsey, a police officer relocating with his pregnant wife, Laura (played by Sarah Gadon), near this eerie academy. As they settle in, Alex crosses paths with Evelyn, played by Toni Collette, a woman who not only runs Tall Pines but seems unnervingly intertwined with every aspect and shadowy secret in town. In a chat with Entertainment Weekly, Martin shared that this story isn't entirely fiction. It stems from real-life tales that a close friend confided. "Back when we were teenagers, my best friend wound up at a troubled teen institute," Martin recalled. "She was Canadian like me but got sent off across borders, and her stories when she came back... they were shocking. It drove me deep down a rabbit hole exploring this murky, unregulated industry."

Who really runs this place? Meet Evelyn

As Alex starts uncovering layers within Tall Pines, suspicion grows around Evelyn. Toni Collette, discussing her role, said Evelyn isn't just a force; she's complex and a bit intimidating. "Peeling back Evelyn's layers was a journey," Collette reflected. "She's a captivating puzzle." Alex, meanwhile, wrestles with his own battles over identity and fitting in. Martin noted, "Alex's struggle with wanting this picture-perfect family life hits home. It's about wrestling with what's authentic and what we give up just trying not only belong but feel like we belong."

Suspense, but make it emotional

Expect white-knuckle suspense from "Wayward," yet Martin assures us it's not all doom and gloom. "The horror will unsettle you," they promise, "but it won't weigh you down. Life, especially in those teenage years, balances terror with hilarity. Sometimes, even in dire situations, a laugh sneaks in amongst friends." "Wayward" isn't just a spooky tale; it's about intertwining human relationships with a spine-chilling narrative. Against a backdrop filled with secrets and a creepy institution, it touches on identity, community, and acceptance. Set your calendar—Netflix will start streaming "Wayward" on September 25th. This series isn't just shaking up horror-thrillers; it's doing so through an LGBTQ+ lens, with wit and depth often missing from mainstream narratives. With this series, Mae Martin isn't just exploring a new storytelling frontier—they're shedding light on issues about authenticity, identity, and belonging, inviting viewers everywhere along. So, get ready. "Wayward" might terrify you, but it'll make you think in ways you didn't see coming. Prepare yourself because "Wayward," featuring Mae Martin and Toni Collette, hits Netflix soon. It's a story that promises chills while being deeply, intimately human.