Sun Sep 28 05:30:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The new thriller “Wayward” follows Alex Dempsey, a new police officer who moves to the mysterious town of Tall Pines, Vermont, with his pregnant wife Laura. He quickly becomes entangled with Abbie and Leila, two “troubled teens” attending Tall Pines Academy, a school led by the enigmatic Evelyn. As Dempsey investigates the town and the academy, he uncovers dark secrets and questionable characters, including Evelyn, Laura, and members of the Tall Pines Academy staff. The article profiles the key characters and the actors who portray them, highlighting the complexity and hidden depths of each personality in the show.
**News Article:**
**Dark Secrets Unfold in New Thriller “Wayward,” Streaming Now**
**Tall Pines, VT –** The idyllic façade of Tall Pines, Vermont, is shattered in the new thriller “Wayward,” now streaming. The series centers on Alex Dempsey, a new police officer portrayed by creator Mae Martin, and his pregnant wife Laura, played by Sarah Gadon, as they navigate the unsettling atmosphere of their new home.
Dempsey’s arrival coincides with the presence of Abbie (Sydney Topliffe) and Leila (Alyvia Alyn Lind), two troubled teens attending the ominous Tall Pines Academy. Overseeing the academy, and seemingly the entire town, is Evelyn, portrayed by Toni Collette, a charismatic figure whose maternal warmth conceals a ruthless nature.
“It was super important to us that we did a huge casting search and found some really fresh and interesting young people,” says Martin, who notes that Topliffe and Lind really carry the show.
As Dempsey investigates, he finds himself drawn into a web of secrets and questionable characters. Laura, while supportive of Dempsey, harbors secrets of her own. Meanwhile, Evelyn’s desire to protect her creation has far-reaching implications.
“What really drew me to Laura is that she appears to be one way on the surface. But, underneath, there is so much going on,” said Gadon. “I love to play women who are complicated, have secrets, and are working through a lot of things psychologically.”
Other key players include Dempsey’s fellow police officer Andrews, and the Tall Pines Academy staff including Rabbit and Duck who struggle with their insecurities. With the arrival of a former resident, Mr. Turner (Patrick Adams), even more secrets and connections to Tall Pines are revealed.
“Having Patrick involved was such a dream,” says Martin. “He’s the most charming and likeable person. And it’s always those people that it’s most thrilling to see play a really sinister character. His Mr. Turner is bone-chilling.”
“Wayward” promises a suspenseful exploration of small-town secrets, the complexities of its residents, and the unsettling truths hidden beneath a veneer of normalcy.
First Piper 