Wayward (2025)

Review Team

4/5

Wayward presents a captivating exploration of morality and trust within a small-town setting. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of a dedicated cop, whose growing suspicion of a local school for troubled teens drives the film's tension. The performances are commendable, particularly that of the ... Show more >> Wayward presents a captivating exploration of morality and trust within a small-town setting. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of a dedicated cop, whose growing suspicion of a local school for troubled teens drives the film's tension. The performances are commendable, particularly that of the charismatic founder, whose charm masks a deeper malevolence. The direction is tight, ensuring that the pacing keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. While the film does not shy away from darker themes, it manages to balance suspense with moments of introspection. Overall, Wayward is a thought-provoking thriller that resonates long after the credits roll. Show less

Editor Team

3/5

Wayward has its moments, but it doesn't quite hit the mark as a thriller. The premise of a cop unearthing secrets in a troubled teen school is intriguing, but the execution feels a bit predictable. The performances are decent, though I wished for more depth in character development. The tension occa ... Show more >> Wayward has its moments, but it doesn't quite hit the mark as a thriller. The premise of a cop unearthing secrets in a troubled teen school is intriguing, but the execution feels a bit predictable. The performances are decent, though I wished for more depth in character development. The tension occasionally builds nicely, but there were moments when it lagged, leaving me wanting more urgency. The film's ending, while attempting to be impactful, felt somewhat rushed and left a few questions unanswered. It's not a bad watch, but it may not leave a lasting impression on all viewers. Show less