"In 'Untamed', outstanding acting and picturesque landscapes elevate this engaging thriller in the movie scene"
In the heart of California's Yosemite National Park, a chilling murder mystery unfolds in the Netflix series "Untamed". This accomplished and confident thriller, set against the breathtaking backdrop of British Columbia, Canada, keeps viewers engaged throughout its six episodes.
At the centre of the investigation is Kyle Turner, a special agent for the National Park Service's Investigative Services Branch, portrayed by Eric Bana. Turner's performance is empathetic and insightful, steering clear of the surly-tough-guy stereotype often seen in such roles.
Supporting Turner in his investigation is the seasoned and well-respected Chief Park Ranger, Paul Souter, played by Sam Neill. Souter's deep secret about a shooting incident adds an intriguing layer to his character, while his mentorship of Turner provides a solid foundation for the narrative.
Newcomer Naya Vasquez, played by Lily Santiago, is a rookie National Park Service ranger and former LAPD cop. Her nuanced portrayal avoids the goofy or one-dimensional sidekick characterisation, making her a compelling addition to the main cast.
Rosemarie DeWitt delivers an excellent performance as Jill Bodwin, Turner's ex-wife. Despite their marital issues, the unbreakable bond between them is palpable, adding depth to the storyline. Jill Bodwin is a teacher-turned-realtor struggling with the same grief responsible for Turner's drinking issues.
The show also stars William Smillie as Bruce Milch, Wilson Bethel as Shane Maguire, Raoul Max Trujillo as Jay Stewart, Josh Randall as Scott Bodwin, Ezra Franky as Lucy, Ezra Wilson as Caleb, Omi Fitzpatrick-Gonzales as Gael Vasquez (Naya's infant son), Joe Holt as Lawrence Hamilton, Nicola Correia-Damude as Esther Avalos, Trevor Carroll as Begay, Taylor Hickson as Summer, Iris Quinn as Mary Souter, Julianna Alarcon as Sadie Souter, and JD Pardo as Michael.
"Untamed" offers effective plot twists that work better than most in the genre, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The show suggests that civilization and laws are easy to forget in the midst of wilderness, adding an extra layer of tension to the story.
The landscape in the show is as significant as the characters, with Yosemite National Park playing a pivotal role in the unfolding mystery. Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, the creators of "Untamed", ensure there are consequences to Turner's errors, adding a sense of jeopardy to the storyline.
While "Untamed" is an engaging thriller, it may not be must-see television. However, for those who enjoy a well-crafted mystery set against the backdrop of nature, this series is definitely worth a watch.
The Netflix series "Untamed" features an investigation led by Kyle Turner, a National Park Service special agent, who delivers an empathetic and insightful performance, steering clear of stereotypes. Paul Souter, portrayed by Sam Neill, is the seasoned Chief Park Ranger, with a deep secret that adds intrigue to his character.
Rosemarie DeWitt plays Jill Bodwin, Turner's ex-wife, who shares an unbreakable bond with him despite marital issues and struggles with similar grief. Naya Vasquez, played by Lily Santiago, is a newcomer to the National Park Service and former LAPD cop, avoiding the goofy or one-dimensional sidekick characterization.
In addition to the engaging plot twists, "Untamed" showcases the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite National Park as a significant element in the unfolding mystery. The landscape serves to remind viewers of the easy forgetfulness of civilization and laws in wilderness, adding layers of tension to the story.
