Netflix’s #1 cult thriller Wayward is dividing audiences and critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with a shocking gap between the scores. Even though Wayward holds the number one spot on Netflix, the reception isn’t as black and white. On Rotten Tomatoes, Wayward holds a 79% Tomatometer score and a 47% Popcornmeter score.
Unfortunately, as often happens when a show has a trans creator and/or features a trans main character,Wayward was subject to review bombing from people who can’t tolerate stories about anyone different from themselves. Many audience reviews also actively misgendered the creator and actor Mae Martin, who is nonbinary.
That being said, not all the critical reviews from audience members were transphobic or in bad faith. Some elements of Wayward landed really well with critics but weren’t as well-received by audiences. Additionally, as I frequently point out when discussing the discrepancies between audience and critic responses, these groups tend to weigh components of the show differently when rating them.
Critics & Audiences Don’t Agree On Wayward’s Performances & Writing
Mae Martin and Toni Collette’s characters looking at each other in Wayward
The biggest good-faith criticism that Wayward audiences have about the show is that they believe the acting is subpar or straight up bad. This is consistent across low to mid-rated reviews from critics. Even four-star reviews note that Toni Collette shone as an actor.
Additionally, audiences were extremely divided on the writing, with most either loving it or hating it. The few who fell in the middle on this subject mentioned that the premiere episode had corny and cheesy writing, but improved from the second episode forward.
Surprisingly, many critics agree that the acting isn’t top-notch, though they aren’t nearly as critical of Mae Martin’s performance. This didn’t factor as heavily into their reviews, as they loved the other elements, especially the writing, enough for the acting not to decrease their ratings significantly.
Unlike audiences, almost all the critics loved the writing. They thought the story was complex, nuanced, and gripping. Only a small number of critics thought the writing was middling, but even those recognized that there were strengths in the plot development.
Critics & Audiences Disagree On Wayward’s Twisty Ending
Leila, Abbie, and Rory look scared while hiding in WaywardCourtesy of Netflix
Like the performances and writing, critics and audiences are divided on the finale episode. I wrote an op-ed about how Wayward’s finale is more terrifying than most horror shows. Most critics agreed with me that the twisty ending was excellent and drew inspiration from old horror movies. However, a few critics thought the ending was a little muddled.
On the other hand, many audience members who reviewed on Rotten Tomatoes didn’t even make it to Wayward’s ending to judge it. Those who watched all the way through, approximately two-thirds based on the reviews, expressed a divided opinion, with about a 50-50 split between those who loved and hated it.
Is Wayward Worth The Watch On Netflix?
Netflix’s Wayward is definitely worth the watch. Yes, the acting wasn’t always A+, and the first episode wasn’t the most compelling. However, once I got past the first episode, I was sucked in. Every episode was better than the last. The second half of the show is also unquestionably better than the first half. Plus, I think the moody ambiance, complex story, and interesting exploration of psychology are perfection.
However, not everyone values the same things in a TV show. As such, here is a more specific breakdown of whether you should watch Wayward on Netflix:
If excellent acting is a necessity for you, you might not enjoy Wayward.
If you need every question to be answered in a show, you will not get that from Wayward, which has many mysteries and unanswered questions.
If writing is your priority, I recommend giving the show at least three episodes before deciding whether to continue. The first three episodes plant the seeds for later twists and revelations. It will eventually be worth it.
If you love twisted stories and surrealist horror, I highly recommend that you watch Wayward.
If you are fascinated by psychology and cults, you cannot skip Wayward.
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