Is “Wayward ”a True Story? Inside the Real-Life Cults and Troubled Teen Institutes That Inspired the Netflix Thriller

‘Wayward’: A Netflix Thriller Inspired by Real-Life Cults and Troubled Teen Institutes

The eight-part Netflix thriller ‘Wayward’ has been making waves since its release on Sept. 25, quickly climbing the ranks on the streaming platform’s Top 10 list. Created by Mae Martin, who also stars alongside Toni Collette, the series delves into the unsettling world of a troubled teen institute called Tall Pines Academy.

In an interview with The Bare Magazine, Martin revealed their vision for ‘Wayward,’ aiming to connect viewers with their inner rebellious teen and explore themes of vitality, empathy, and righteous indignation that often get subdued with adulthood. The show’s premise is one that Martin had long desired to explore, making it a special project close to their heart.

‘Wayward’ centres around Tall Pines Academy, a purportedly therapeutic school in Vermont that inflicts physical and psychological harm on its students under the guise of rehabilitation. The storyline follows a group of teens who navigate through twisted challenges orchestrated by the school’s leader, Evelyn Wade, played by Collette, culminating in a disturbing revelation about the community’s true nature.

The question on many viewers’ minds is whether ‘Wayward’ is based on a true story. According to Martin’s interview with Forbes, the series draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of their best friend, Nicole, who attended a similar school. Nicole’s harrowing ordeal served as a guiding light during the show’s creation, adding layers of authenticity to the narrative.

While Tall Pines Academy is a fictional creation, Martin emphasises that it mirrors the troubling reality of troubled teen institutes that have come under scrutiny for their abusive practices. By weaving Nicole’s story into the fabric of ‘Wayward,’ Martin sheds light on the dark underbelly of such institutions and ignites conversations about the broader issues at play.

In shaping the series, Martin and co-showrunner Ryan Scott drew inspiration from iconic films like ‘Girl, Interrupted,’ ‘Get Out,’ and ‘Fargo.’ The blend of psychological thrillers and gripping narratives underscores the complexity of ‘Wayward’ and its exploration of power dynamics, identity, and the quest for acceptance.

The parallels between ‘Wayward’ and historical self-help cults of the ’70s, such as Synanon, add another layer of depth to the series. Martin’s decision to intertwine elements of cult behaviour and troubled teen industry practices reflects a keen understanding of the underlying themes of control, manipulation, and coercion present in such settings.

As viewers immerse themselves in the world of ‘Wayward,’ they are confronted with a stark portrayal of the blurred lines between rehabilitation and exploitation. Through Martin’s storytelling, audiences are invited to reflect on the vulnerability of youth, the allure of conformity, and the resilience needed to break free from oppressive systems.

For those eager to delve into the world of ‘Wayward,’ all eight episodes of the limited series are now available for streaming on Netflix. As the show continues to garner attention for its gripping narrative and stellar performances, it serves as a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling to shed light on the shadows of society.