Detective stories thrive on detail, but when a crime happens in the middle of a vast wilderness, things get complicated. “Untamed,” a new series on Netflix by Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, dives into secrets, personal struggles, and one dedicated investigator’s quest for answers. Set in the breathtaking Yosemite National Park, it features Kyle Turner, played by Eric Bana. He’s a special agent for the National Park Service, launched into a gripping search after a body is found in the park.
The story starts in the stunning backdrop of Yosemite. Two climbers are scaling El Capitan when a woman falls from the cliff, almost hitting them. Park rangers, including Chief Ranger Paul Souter (Sam Neill) and LAPD transfer Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago), begin to question the men. However, Kyle Turner arrives and swiftly takes control of the scene. He’s not the most polite agent, showing little patience for the rangers around him.
Vasquez, the new recruit, ends up working with Turner, despite his brusque attitude. Although he can be abrasive, she recognizes his exceptional investigative skills. After the woman’s body, dubbed Jane Doe #1711, is sent to the morgue, Turner suspects she was already dead before her fall. He believes she had been stalked by her killer.
As Turner works through the investigation, he’s also grappling with his personal demons. He maintains a friendly relationship with Chief Souter and stays in touch with his ex-wife, Jill (Rosemarie DeWitt). As they dig into Jane Doe’s life and her ties to Yosemite, layers of Turner’s own history come to light, leading others to wonder if he can handle such a daunting case.
Creating something fresh in a crowded genre can be tough, but the Smiths nail it with “Untamed.” The six-episode series doesn’t just focus on the mystery; it weaves in prior investigations, Indigenous practices, and complex human emotions, making it stand out.
The characters are one of the show’s biggest draws. Bana’s portrayal of Turner reveals a man haunted by his past. He’s on a mission for justice, especially for Jane Doe. Vasquez, a single mom, is eager to learn about her new environment, all while keeping her own life private. Yet, as the story unfolds, the truth has a way of coming to the surface, even in the wilderness.
“Untamed” is not just a detective story; it’s a deep exploration of human nature. It tackles themes of pain, shame, and the possibility of redemption. Ultimately, it reminds us that who we are will always come through, no matter the circumstances.
For more insights on how crime and wilderness collide in storytelling, you might find this report on wilderness crime statistics helpful.
Untamed is streaming now on Netflix.
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Eric Bana,Netflix,Rosemarie Dewitt,Sam Neill,Untamed