Review of Untamed: A park murder mystery season 1

Streaming on Netflix, Untamed is a slow-burn murder mystery series created by Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith. Is it worth your time? Let’s find out. Let’s find out.

untamed

Storyline

At Yosemite National Park, two climbers scaling El Capitan are shocked when a woman’s body suddenly drops and gets tangled in their ropes. She’s dead—apparently murdered. Enter special agent Kyle Turner, a rugged, horse-riding loner who lives in a cabin deep in the woods. He avoids people, drinks too much, and seems mysterious himself.

Turner is joined by rookie ranger Naya Vasquez, a recent transfer from LA, and supported by his boss Captain Souter, who shields him from bureaucratic pressures. As the investigation progresses, it uncovers a much deeper conspiracy lurking in the park.

What is Turner’s mysterious past? And can he and Vasquez crack the case?

Our critique

From the very first scene, Untamed grabs attention, largely due to its breathtaking cinematography. The story wastes no time, and getting to the victim’s identity iself becomes a task. It tries to dig deep into her background, and the events leading up to her tragic fall. Along the way, we learn more about Turner and what shaped him into who he is.

Though the pace remains slow, the stunning landscape and layered characters help keep things engaging. The finale, however, feels somewhat below expectations as compared to the build-up.

Screen Performances

Eric Bana is terrific as the brooding Turner—his intense gaze and silent resolve lend real weight to the character. Lily Santiago is convincing as Vasquez, portraying a single mother avoiding an abusive ex. Sam Neill as Captain Souter delivers a decent performance in a supporting role.

Overall opinion

Despite an ending that doesn’t seem impactful, Untamed is an atmospheric, slow-burn mystery that keeps you hooked. If you enjoy character-driven whodunits, you may like it.

Our rating

3.5stars image

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