Netflix’s latest limited series, Untamed, has drawn mixed reviews for its attempt to merge a classic crime drama with the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park. Created by Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, the six-episode series follows the investigation of a mysterious death within the vast wilderness of Yosemite. While the narrative itself leans heavily on familiar tropes, the cinematography and use of the park’s breathtaking landscapes elevate the viewing experience, making it a unique addition to Netflix’s offerings.
The Plot: Familiar Territory
At the heart of Untamed lies a murder mystery that begins with a dramatic discovery: a young woman’s body plummets from the summit of El Capitan, a renowned rock formation in Yosemite. Eric Bana stars as Kyle Turner, a grizzled special agent from the National Parks Service’s Investigative Services Branch. Turner, who prefers horses to vehicles and solitude to conversation, suspects foul play despite initial attempts to label the death a suicide. Alongside him is Naya Vasquez, a new ranger played by Lily Santiago, who brings her urban policing experience to the wilds of Yosemite.
The investigation faces numerous challenges, from the park’s immense size—approximately the size of Rhode Island—to Turner’s own troubled past and strained relationships with colleagues and locals. As the pair digs deeper, they uncover layers of corruption and danger hidden beneath Yosemite’s serene surface. However, as The Guardian notes, the plot is “oddly retro,” relying on well-worn clichés and predictable twists that fail to fully capitalize on the potential of its unique setting.
Characters and Performances: A Mixed Bag
Turner embodies the archetypal antihero detective: brilliant yet deeply flawed. His struggles with alcoholism and a failed marriage provide emotional depth but also feel overly familiar. Lily Santiago’s Naya Vasquez offers a fresh perspective, but her character’s backstory—fleeing an abusive relationship with her young son in tow—feels underexplored. Supporting characters, including Sam Neill as the veteran chief ranger and Rosemarie DeWitt as Turner’s ex-wife, are similarly underwritten, leaving little room for standout performances.
As Time highlights, the dialogue alternates between “buddy-cop brusqueness” and overly earnest exchanges, making it difficult for the actors to fully shine. Eric Bana delivers a competent performance but lacks the charisma needed to make Turner’s journey compelling. Despite these shortcomings, the dynamic between Bana and Santiago provides moments of levity and intrigue, hinting at the series’ unrealized potential.
Yosemite: The True Star
What truly sets Untamed apart is its stunning portrayal of Yosemite National Park. The cinematography, helmed by Michael McDonough and Brendan Uegama, captures the park’s majestic sunrises, dense forests, and treacherous terrains in vivid detail. From the opening scenes at El Capitan to the tranquil burbling of creeks and the roaring waterfalls, the visuals immerse viewers in the natural beauty and unpredictability of the wilderness.
As The Hollywood Reporter points out, the park itself becomes a character in the story, with its vastness and hidden dangers reflecting the underlying themes of mystery and survival. This artful use of the setting compensates for the series’ narrative shortcomings, making Yosemite the most compelling aspect of Untamed.
Missed Opportunities
Despite its strengths, Untamed falls short of its potential. The series hints at deeper themes, such as the challenges faced by the National Park Service due to budget cuts and staffing shortages, but fails to explore them meaningfully. The jurisdictional complexities of investigating crimes within a national park are briefly mentioned but ultimately sidelined in favor of a more conventional whodunit approach.
Moreover, the resolution of the central mystery feels rushed and overly tidy, with too few characters to create genuine suspense. As Time observes, the series’ world feels “too small,” with the same handful of characters inexplicably tied to every major event in the park’s history. This lack of narrative depth undermines the show’s ability to fully engage its audience.
Conclusion: A Visual Treat with Narrative Flaws
Untamed is a series that excels in its depiction of Yosemite’s natural beauty but falters in its storytelling. While the familiar crime drama elements may appeal to fans of the genre, the show’s reliance on clichés and underdeveloped characters limits its impact. However, for viewers seeking a visually stunning escape into the wilderness, Untamed offers a worthwhile, if imperfect, journey.
Ultimately, Netflix’s Untamed serves as a reminder of the enduring allure of America’s national parks, even when the stories set within them fall short of their surroundings’ grandeur.