Eric Bana returns to the small screen in Netflix’s latest thriller, Untamed, a series that demands patience but rewards viewers with a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of California’s majestic Yosemite National Park. The series, which also stars Sam Neill, is a six-episode exploration of crime, nature, and the lengths one will go to protect family.
Early in the series, viewers are introduced to veteran federal agent Kyle Turner, played by Bana, who takes new park ranger Naya Vasquez, portrayed by Lily Santiago, on a horseback tour through the park. The scenery is breathtaking, but the narrative soon delves into the darker aspects of human nature as a murder mystery unfolds.
The Crime Genre’s Familiar Terrain
While Untamed is crafted with care and features strong performances, it often treads familiar ground within the crime genre. The show begins with a young woman’s mysterious fall from the iconic El Capitan and introduces Turner as the park’s dedicated but troubled investigator. His personal struggles, including late-night calls to his remarried ex-wife, add depth to his character.
The series is the brainchild of the father-daughter duo Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, with Mark’s previous work including the Netflix western American Primeval. Their latest endeavor, while not as catastrophic, weaves together elements of nature and human violence, creating a narrative that is both engaging and predictable.
Character Dynamics and Performances
Eric Bana shines in his role, bringing emotional depth to his character’s sparse dialogue. His interactions with Vasquez and the soldier-turned-wildlife-control-officer Shane Maguire, played by Wilson Bethel, provide some of the series’ most compelling moments. Meanwhile, Sam Neill’s portrayal of Turner’s boss, Paul Souter, adds a layer of urgency as media pressure mounts to solve the case.
“The rest of it’s out there,” Turner tells Vasquez, hinting at both the park’s vastness and the series’ deeper narrative layers.
Despite its strengths, Untamed requires viewers to invest time and patience, as the story gradually unravels to reveal past crimes and emotional discoveries that enrich the plot.
Comparative Analysis: Other Streaming Thrillers
The release of Untamed coincides with other notable streaming offerings, such as the Stephen King adaptation The Institute and the British comedy The Cleaner. Each series brings its unique flavor to the table, with The Institute exploring telekinetic teenagers in a sinister institution and The Cleaner offering a comedic take on crime scene cleanup.
While The Institute, overseen by King veterans, struggles to reach the heights of its source material, The Cleaner continues to push the boundaries of its format with sardonic humor and thoughtful reflections. In comparison, Untamed stands out for its atmospheric setting and character-driven storytelling.
Implications and Future Prospects
The success of Untamed could pave the way for more nature-centric thrillers that blend environmental themes with human drama. The series’ focus on Yosemite’s untouched beauty and the human stories within its bounds offers a fresh perspective in a genre often dominated by urban settings.
As audiences continue to seek diverse narratives, the demand for series like Untamed may grow, encouraging creators to explore new landscapes and untold stories. For now, viewers willing to invest in this slow-burning thriller will find a richly woven tale that rewards patience with emotional and narrative depth.
Ultimately, Untamed is a testament to the enduring appeal of crime dramas and the power of storytelling set against the backdrop of nature’s grandeur.
