Mae Martin Talks About Their Role as a Trans Police Officer in Netflix’s Wayward

Mae Martin has opened up about their experience portraying the character Alex, a trans police officer, in Netflix’s latest thriller series, Wayward. The eight-episode miniseries is a creation of Mae Martin, known for their work on Feel Good and Taskmaster. This time, Martin takes center stage as the lead character, Alex, a somewhat clumsy local cop in the quaint town of Tall Pines.

The storyline of Wayward follows Alex as he delves into the peculiar happenings at a nearby school for troubled teens. His suspicions are particularly piqued by Evelyn Wade, portrayed by Toni Collette, who is best recognized from Muriel’s Wedding. Alex’s investigation intensifies as he encounters two students, Abbie, played by Sydney Topliffe, and Leila, played by Alyvia Alyn Lind, who seem eager to flee the mysterious school. As unusual events unfold in Tall Pines, Alex finds himself drawn deeper into the mystery, with Evelyn seemingly at the heart of the town’s troubles.

Exploring Themes of Hypermasculinity

In a recent discussion, Martin shared insights into the thematic layers of Wayward. According to the official synopsis, the series is a gripping and genre-defying limited series that touches on the timeless conflict between generations, the trials of friendship and loyalty, and how hidden truths inevitably come to light.

Martin describes Alex as a character who, despite being new to the area, is entangled in a personal quest for acceptance. Accompanied by his pregnant wife Laura, played by Sarah Gadon, Alex's journey reflects a desire for a nuclear family — aspirations that resonate with certain ideals of heteronormative hypermasculinity. Martin found it "juicy" to unravel these themes, particularly through a transgender lens.

When speaking with Deadline, Martin elaborated on the layered portrayal of Alex, noting his yearning for acceptance and how he perceives Tall Pines as a seemingly liberal haven. "Alex is someone who’s seduced by and yearning for a sort of heteronormative hypermasculinity and a nuclear family. It was juicy to explore that dynamic," Martin explained.

The Character of Alex

Further discussing the character development of Alex, Martin told Tudum, "I’m always drawn to protagonists who are figuring things out in real-time with the audience. I wanted Alex to serve as the audience's voice." This connection allows viewers to resonate with Alex’s struggles as he attempts to conform, fit in, and foster a sense of community.

"He’s very desperate to conform and to find his place," Martin continued. "I like that internal conflict within him. His character is a bit bumbling, making both poor and wise choices along the way." This portrayal aims to capture the authentic experiences of someone navigating personal identity and community dynamics.

Audience and Critical Reception

Since its premiere on Netflix on September 25, Wayward has received significant acclaim from both critics and audiences. The Guardian lauded Toni Collette's performance as "utterly magnificent," while The Independent hailed the show as one of the "more unique and entertaining" thrillers in recent memory.

As Wayward continues to reach more viewers, it invites audiences to engage with its complex themes and characters, sparking discussions around identity, community, and the nuances of acceptance. The series is now available for streaming, offering a thrilling and thought-provoking experience.

We invite you to share your thoughts and insights on Wayward in the comments below. Let's keep the conversation engaging and respectful as we explore these important themes together.