Featured Image Credit: Netflix
Topics: Netflix, Film and TV, Canada, Streaming
Ellie Kemp
Netflix fans have been binge-watching a 'captivating' new thriller series in just one evening.
Chances are, if you've been on social media this past weekend, you'll have heard of it.
But if you're yet to hit play, then perhaps you should get a move on...
On Monday (September 29), it soared to the number one spot on Netflix's global charts, above Alice in Borderland and Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, according to FlixPatrol.
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From the mind of Canadian comedian Mae Martin, who had previous success with 'refreshingly funny' Netflix show Feel Good.
Now, they're back with something a little different; an eight-part psychological thriller set in the seemingly idyllic town of Tall Pines, Vermont.
The drama follows teenagers Abbie (Milly Alcock) and Leila (Alyvia Alyn Lind), who are sent to the prestigious Tall Pines Academy, a school that promises to help 'troubled' youth - yet its polished surface hides sinister secrets.
Meanwhile, Alex Dempsey (Martin), a local police officer, and his wife Laura (Erin Kellyman), who once attended the academy herself, begin to uncover disturbing truths about the town and its powerful leader, Evelyn Wade (Toni Collette).
As Alex’s investigation collides with Abbie and Leila’s struggle for freedom, the façade of Tall Pines unravels, revealing the dark truth of its inner-workings and those involved.
The TV series in question is called Wayward, and it dropped on Netflix on Thursday (September 25).
It's racked up a 75 percent Rotten Tomatoes score from critics and only 45 percent from audience members - yet viewers have been raving about it online.
"Edge of your seat tension relieved by a strong dose of humour and tenderness, I recommend giving Wayward a watch," one Rotten Tomatoes audience member said.
"This show is a wild ride from start to finish. A must watch!" a second said.
Others said they couldn't understand the show's low ratings and that it 'deserved higher.'
The discussion continued over on Reddit, where one fan admitted: "I was totally captivated and watched the whole thing in one evening. Wow!"
A second agreed: "Binged it all today... better than anything else I’ve seen recently."
"Same. I don't even binge usually and this kept my attention fully," a third said. "The acting was great on all fronts, especially on the bittersweet elements of teens."
Some fans have loved Wayward so much, they're begging for more drama.
But as the show is only a limited series, the chances are incredibly unlikely.
In an interview with Variety, Martin teased: "I’ve been doing so much press and I’m so interested in people’s reactions to the ending. It seems like people have an appetite for more."
They added: "I think, hopefully, it works as a mini-series, but then it’s also obviously fun to imagine what would happen."
In an interview with Decider, Lind confirmed she'd happily reprise her role of Leila.
She said: "I would do it anytime, anywhere. Call me up, I’m there. I had the most incredible time ever working on this project; it was such a blessing, and I would love to come back. Whenever you want us, we’re here, we’re ready."
On ideas for a second season, Lind said: "I’m gonna leave that up to Mae, the genius behind the operation. But maybe if I had any two cents to put in, it would just be, like, maybe one storyline where Leila’s happy."
Netflix has given no word on a potential follow-up, at the time of writing.
Wayward is streaming now on Netflix.