Untamed Review: Alright, folks, Netflix is back with another mystery thriller, and this one goes wild—literally. Untamed is the streamer’s newest six-episode slow-burn crime drama that had my attention from the moment the trailer dropped. A murder mystery set in the sprawling wilderness of what’s supposed to be Yosemite National Park? Yes, please. Add in the gravitas of Eric Bana and Sam Neill, and you’ve got yourself a weekend binge.
But here’s the real question: Is Untamed a thrilling beast worth chasing, or does it get lost in its own woods? Let’s break it down.
Rating: (4.0/5)
| Title | Untamed |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mystery, Thriller, Drama |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Release Year | 2025 |
| Seasons | 1 |
| Episodes | 6 |
| Episode Length | 45–50 minutes |
| Main Cast | Eric Bana, Isabela Merced, Sam Neill |
The Plot
- Murder in Yosemite – A Haunting Beginning
The series kicks off with a punch: the brutal murder of a park ranger found deep in the wild, left in a state so savage and bizarre that it raises immediate questions. Was it an animal attack? Or something more sinister?
- Kyle Turner and Ranger Vasquez: The Detective Duo
Eric Bana plays Kyle Turner, a grizzled ranger pulled into the investigation. He’s paired with Ranger Vasquez, a fresh recruit juggling a chaotic personal life. Together, they navigate a case that gets darker—and stranger—with each passing episode.
Exploring the Central Mystery
- Was It a Wild Animal or Something More Sinister?: From the start, Untamed plays with expectations. The wounds on the victim look animalistic, but there’s a method behind the madness. The show smartly blurs the line between natural and supernatural, keeping us guessing.
- Murder Scenes That Send Chills: Every time a body shows up, it’s brutal, bloody, and mysterious. The cinematography doesn’t hold back, showing enough to unsettle without becoming grotesque.
- What Makes This Murder So “Untamed”?: There’s symbolism, there are rituals, and there’s a sense that nature itself might be rebelling. It’s not just murder—it’s something bigger.
Characters That Drive the Story
- Eric Bana as Kyle Turner – The Calm Before the Storm: Bana is fantastic. He’s seen-it-all but still emotionally invested. Think The Dry, but with more pine trees and fewer small-town glares.
- Ranger Vasquez – The Rookie with Real Grit: Played with refreshing sincerity, Vasquez isn’t just the “new girl” trope. She’s layered, dealing with her own demons while proving her mettle.
- Sam Neill’s Character – A Missed Opportunity?: Sam Neill shows up as the weary veteran ranger—think Tommy Lee Jones in No Country for Old Men. Unfortunately, the script doesn’t give him enough to shine. A shame.
The World of Untamed
- Setting vs. CGI – Real Wilderness or Green-Screen Tricks? While it’s set in Yosemite, a lot of Untamed was filmed in British Columbia. Some shots feel authentic; others scream “stock B-roll.” It’s not bad, but it occasionally pulls you out.
- The Use of Landscape as a Character: That said, the wilderness is more than just a backdrop. It’s alive, menacing, and omnipresent. From wide-open forests to tight, suffocating caves, the show uses space brilliantly.
- Claustrophobia and Fear in Episode 3: Episode 3 deserves a shout-out. A claustrophobic cave crawl had me on edge. If you’ve ever feared getting stuck in a tight tunnel, this one’s going to haunt you.
Themes Beneath the Surface
The show constantly contrasts Yosemite’s beauty with its hidden dangers. One minute you’re basking in scenic shots; the next, you’re staring at claw marks and blood trails.
Subtle indigenous themes are woven throughout, hinting at ancestral trauma and nature’s spiritual vengeance. It’s not overdone—it’s just enough to add depth.
Every ranger is carrying something—loss, failure, guilt. Sometimes it adds richness, other times it drags the pacing. Balance, people!
What Worked Well
- Strong Lead Performances: Bana and Vasquez (played by newcomer Isabela Merced) are magnetic. Their chemistry anchors the chaos.
- Atmospheric Direction and Sound Design: Sound plays a huge role. From distant growls to crunching leaves, the audio landscape keeps you uneasy throughout.
- Unpredictable (Mostly) Early Narrative: The first four episodes build tension masterfully. Red herrings. Misdirection. You’ll be hooked.
Where Untamed Stumbles
- Bloated Subplots: Some storylines—like Vasquez’s son or Turner’s past—don’t need so much screen time. They distract more than they enrich.
- Rushed Final Episodes: After such a methodical build-up, the last two episodes feel rushed. Clues come too conveniently. Tension fizzles.
- Unnecessary Diversions from the Main Plot: There’s a killer mystery waiting to be solved, but the show keeps wandering off-trail. Literally and metaphorically.
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A Tale of Two Halves
Episodes 1–4 are some of the best TV mystery you’ll see this year. Gritty, suspenseful, and beautifully shot. Then the focus shifts. Pacing ramps up. Answers come quickly. And you might be left thinking: Wait, that’s it?
Final Thoughts – Is Untamed Worth Binging?
Absolutely—if you can handle a show that prioritizes mood over momentum. Untamed delivers a dark, gripping mystery with standout performances, but it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own ambition.
You’ll stay for Eric Bana, you’ll get chills from the visuals, and you’ll walk away feeling just a little bit more cautious about nature walks.
Good vs Bad – A Quick Overview
| The Good | The Bad |
|---|---|
| Eric Bana’s gripping performance | Weak resolution in the final episodes |
| Claustrophobic atmosphere | Bloated subplots |
| Unique setting and landscape usage | Overuse of B-roll & CGI |
| Suspenseful and mysterious early arcs | Not enough Sam Neill |
| Clever sound design | Sometimes too slow |
Conclusion
Untamed isn’t your average whodunit. It’s eerie, meditative, and teeming with nature’s wrath. But while it excels in mood and tension, it’s not immune to pacing problems and distracting detours. Still, if you’re craving a moody murder mystery that strays from the beaten path, this might just be your next binge.
So… have you braved the woods yet?
FAQs
1. Is Untamed based on a true story?
Nope. While the setting feels realistic, Untamed is entirely fictional.
2. How many episodes are in the series?
There are six episodes, each around 45–50 minutes long.
3. Is it worth watching for horror lovers?
Yes, but don’t expect jump scares. It’s more atmospheric and psychological.
4. Where was Untamed actually filmed?
Despite being set in Yosemite, most of the filming happened in British Columbia, Canada.
5. Will there be a season 2?
No official word yet, but the ending leaves the door cracked open for more.