Comedian, actor, and creatorMae Martinis making waves with their latest project Wayward, a horror-thriller series on Netflix that blends dark intensity with emotional truth. While the response has been largely positive, there are also critiques and concerns. Here’s a full look.
1. About Mae Martin
Mae Pearl Martin (born May 2, 1987) is a Canadian comedian, actor, writer, and singer-songwriter.
They identify as non-binary, use they/them pronouns, and came out publicly in 2021.
Martin has a background in comedy shows (“Feel Good”), stand-up, and recently released their debut indie rock album I’m a TV in early 2025.
2. What Wayward Is
Wayward is an eight-episode Netflix limited series, released worldwide on September 25, 2025.
Mae Martin is creator, showrunner, writer, and lead actor (playing Alex Dempsey, a trans police officer moving into the small town of Tall Pines).
The story centers on Tall Pines Academy, a troubled teen facility, and the unsettling power dynamics around it; themes include identity, belonging, manipulation, friendship, and trauma.
3. Positive Sentiments & Strengths:Mae Marin
Authenticity & personal connection: Martin’s own experiences and friendships inform the story, making it deeply felt.
Genre blending: Wayward mixes horror, psychological thriller, supernatural-like dread, and dark humor in ways that many reviewers say stay with viewers.
Artist growth: It’s a bold shift from Martin’s earlier comedic work to darker, more complex narratives. Many see this as growth and evolution.
Pacing & execution concerns: Some critics argue Wayward drags in places, with revelations delayed and tension built unevenly.
High expectations vs. audience comfort: Because of Martin’s reputation for comedy and emotionally raw storytelling, some fans may find Wayward darker or more unsettling than expected. Not all will embrace the horror-thriller tone.
Risk of alienation: Themes involving identity, gender, trauma, and the troubled teen industry are sensitive. If handled poorly, they can feel exploitative or oversimplified. So far, Martin has worked hard on research, but risk remains.
5. Inspiration & Creative Motivations
Mae Marin
Martin was inspired by a close friend (Nicole) who was sent to a troubled teen facility; that experience deeply shaped the show.
The “troubled teen industry” is a real system that has come under scrutiny in recent years for abuse and lack of regulation; Wayward aims to amplify awareness.
6. Casting & Collaborators
The cast includes Toni Collette as Evelyn (the enigmatic head of the troubled teen academy), Sarah Gadon, Sydney Topliffe, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Brandon Jay McLaren, Patrick J. Adams, and others.
Colloboration with producers and writers who have experience with these subjects, plus consulting from those with real experience in troubled youth systems, adds credibility.
7. Release & Public Response
Wayward premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival before streaming on Netflix on September 25, 2025.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the show has about 76% approval; on Metacritic, a rating in the low 70s, meaning generally favorable reviews.
8. Broader Impact & Discussion
The show is sparking discussions on how teenage rebellion, trauma, identity, and mental health are treated in media. Martin wants viewers to think, feel, and question.
It also raises concern about the real-life troubled teen residential facilities and how society labels youth who are struggling.
Final Thoughts:Mae Marin
Mae Marin
Mae Martin’s Wayward is a powerful, ambitious work. It showcases their growth as an artist willing to take risks — and while those risks bring some growing pains, many would argue they’re worth it. For fans of Martin’s earlier work like Feel Good, Wayward may feel darker, but it carries the same heart and boldness.
Who Is Mae Martin?
Mae Pearl Martin (born May 2, 1987) is a Canadian comedian, actor, screenwriter, and recording artist.
Uses they/them pronouns; identifies as nonbinary and queer.
Known for earlier work like Feel Good (TV series), comedy specials (e.g. SAP), podcasts, and their debut indie rock album I’m a TV released in 2025.
What Is Wayward?
Wayward is an eight-episode Netflix limited series created, written by, and starring Mae Martin.
Release date: September 25, 2025 on Netflix.
Production: filming took place in Ontario, Canada; it was formerly titled Tall Pines.
Setting: early 2000s (around 2003), in the fictional town of Tall Pines, Vermont. The story revolves around Tall Pines Academy, an institution for “troubled teens.”
Plot & Themes:Mae Marin
Mae Marin
The series follows multiple characters:
Alex Dempsey (Mae Martin) – a trans police officer moving to Tall Pines with pregnant wife Laura.
Laura (Sarah Gadon) – Laura grew up in Tall Pines and was once a student there; she begins to recall traumatic memories.
Teen characters Leila (Alyvia Alyn Lind) and Abbie (Sydney Topliffe) – friends who become involved with the institute and try to escape.
Major themes:
Trauma, psychological manipulation, cult-like power structures.
Identity/adolescence and the search for belonging.
The “troubled teen” industry and its real-world echoes. Drawing from Mae Martin’s personal connection (friend sent to a facility) and interviews.
Strengths & What People Like:Mae Marin
Strong performances, especially Toni Collette as Evelyn Wade, the head of the academy; critics praise her nuanced, chilling portrayal.
The emotional weight and authenticity — due to real-life inspiration and careful research.
Interesting blend of genres: thriller, psychological horror, drama with moments of levity. Not purely dark—it balances tension with moments that feel human and real.
Criticism & Challenges:Mae Marin
Some reviewers feel the pacing is uneven; revelations are sometimes delayed too much, causing tension sagging in parts.
Tone blending (comedy + horror + drama) may not be to everyone’s taste; some viewers find the shifts jarring.
Because it deals with sensitive topics (mental health, teen trauma, institutional abuse), there’s risk of triggering or discomfort; expectations are high for respectful handling.
Behind the Scenes & Inspiration:Mae Marin
Mae Martin used personal experiences: a friend (Nicole Simon) had been sent to a real troubled teen facility; she consulted people with such experiences in writing Wayward.
Research included looking into cults, 1970s recovery groups, and the troubled-teen residential treatment sector which has had real controversies in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Martin wanted to explore how the allure of belonging, of safety, of conformity, can be used manipulatively.
Reception & Where Things Stand:Mae Marin
On review aggregators: ~76% approval on Rotten Tomatoes; Metacritic score around 71/100, meaning generally favorable reviews.
The show was well received for its uniqueness and tackling of a rarely portrayed subject. But some critiques point to moments of melodrama or uneven execution.
Wayward is currently considered a limited series; there’s been no confirmation of a second season, though creators have suggested there may be more story to tell given some unresolved plot threads.
Why Wayward Matters:Mae Marin
It shines a light on an under-reported industry (troubled teen/residential treatment facilities) and raises awareness about abuses.
It contributes to representation: trans characters, queer perspectives, mental health themes are front and center.
As a piece of art, it challenges viewers to consider what systems of care can look like when wrapped in rhetoric of help—when the help is harmful.
Key Details at a Glance
Item
Info
Title
Wayward
Creator / Lead Star
Mae Martin
Episodes
8
Release Date
September 25, 2025
Platform
Netflix
Genre
Psychological thriller / horror + drama
Setting
Tall Pines (fictional), early 2000s
Main Cast
Toni Collette, Mae Martin, Sarah Gadon, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Sydney Topliffe
