What's Happening?
Mae Martin's new Netflix series 'Wayward' delves into the troubled teen industry, set in the fictional Tall Pines, an academy for troubled teens. The series, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, follows the story of Officer Alex Dempsey, played by Martin, who moves to Tall Pines with his pregnant wife. The narrative explores the dark underbelly of the teen rehabilitation industry, inspired by Martin's personal experiences. The show is a thriller with a fairy-tale-like quality, aiming to shed light on the casual pathologization of teenagers.
Why It's Important?
The series highlights the often-overlooked issues within the troubled teen industry, which gained popularity in the 1990s. By bringing these issues to light through a mainstream platform like Netflix, 'Wayward' has the potential to spark conversations about the ethics and effectiveness of such institutions. It also challenges the portrayal of queer characters in media, as Martin's character's transgender identity is not the focal point of the story, promoting a more nuanced representation.
What's Next?
The series leaves room for a potential second season, though Martin is uncertain about its necessity. The show aims to reach a broader audience by presenting a genre piece through a queer lens, potentially influencing future media portrayals of similar themes.
Beyond the Headlines
The show also touches on themes of trauma bonding and the societal pressures faced by teenagers. It questions the societal norms that lead to the pathologization of teenage behavior and the impact of such practices on young individuals.
