Movies

‘Untamed’ brings Eric Bana into a murder mystery set in the wilds of Yosemite

BBG News

Titled “Untamed,” a quasi-police drama set to debut on Netflix this Thursday, offers a refreshing break from typical crime series. Unlike the usual settings of bustling cities or quaint villages, this one is nestled in the untouched wilderness of Yosemite National Park. Although it was filmed in British Columbia, known for its stunning landscapes, and its park rangers are not affected by budget cuts nor their parks threatened by politicians’ plans to privatize public lands.

In this show, the landscapes featuring mountains, valleys, rivers, and streams, along with occasional wildlife such as deer and bears, play just as important a role as the characters themselves – both the heroes and villains who may be complex yet straightforward. Unlike shows that tackle grand themes, it’s more like simple, hearty entertainment cooked over an open campfire, not quite typical “meat-and-potatoes” TV but not highbrow either. On the prestige scale, it finds itself somewhere between “Magnum P.I.” and “True Detective,” veering slightly towards the former in style.

The limited series titled “Antipodean Actors in American Roles” was written by Mark L. Smith (“American Primeval”) and Elle Smith (“The Marsh King’s Daughter”), starring Eric Bana and Sam Neill who once again adopt American accents. Initially, it has the feel of a pilot episode, introducing characters that could be useful for future storylines. However, if the show turns out to be exceptionally popular, the creators at Netflix might find a way to bring it back; they’ve done so in the past.

The thrilling tale of “Untamed” begins with a dramatic start. Two mountaineers are scaling El Capitan when, suddenly, a woman plummets from the cliff and gets entangled in their safety lines, dangling lifelessly. Remarkably, the climbers have been saved, yet the woman remains suspended – until Investigative Services Branch special agent Kyle Turner (played by Bana) arrives on his horse.

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In a casual, easy-to-understand tone: “Here comes Gary Cooper,” growls gruff ranger Bruce Milch (William Smillie) to the new ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago), an ex-police officer from Los Angeles. He’s referring to her high-and-mighty attitude, as he puts it, that gives her a superior view of the less privileged rangers like himself. Given their initial tension and the fact that she’s new in this unfamiliar environment where things operate differently compared to L.A., there’s a possibility that Vasquez could become Turner’s (junior) partner. It’s also likely that their relationship might evolve into a challenging yet educational experience, with the potential for it to soften and even grow tender over time.

In the series, Turner, a man of the woods with exceptional tracking abilities and an imposing physique, is both admirable and troubled. His rugged good looks outshine everyone else on the show, yet he’s a complex character, struggling to cope with his past. He’s taciturn and stoic, hinting at inner turmoil, and his life seems unraveled; he drinks excessively, lives in a cabin filled with unpacked boxes, and is still haunted by the family tragedy that shattered him and his marriage. This portrayal underscores the darker side of stoicism. Turner’s understanding ex-wife Jill (played by Rosemarie DeWitt) and sympathetic boss Paul Souter (Neill) are trying their best to help him find stability, but even they acknowledge that he’s only as happy as one can be under the circumstances.

Souter advises Turner, “Kyle, you’ve secluded yourself within this park,” to which he responds, “It suits me better here among nature.” Despite having a few acquaintances, Souter cautions, one of them, Shane Maguire (Wilson Bethel), is a wildlife manager with a questionable reputation, while the other, Mato Begay (Trevor Carroll), an Indigenous police officer, is more trustworthy. Incidentally, Turner is involved with a hotel concierge, but this detail is relatively unimportant to the main storyline.

The dialogue in this show feels like it’s straight from a book, but it effectively delivers its purpose. The characters are mostly static, which is typical of detective stories since people don’t usually change drastically overnight. The narrative primarily focuses on Turner and/or Vasquez, providing enough intricate twists and subplots without veering off into unrelated topics. This series, consisting of six episodes, is commendable, as it helps maintain a cohesive storyline. Streaming series producers should take note of this.

The show is packed with intense cases and unsolved mysteries, complete with hippie squatters, cryptic gold tattoos, ancient indigenous symbols, and abandoned mines. A particularly suspenseful scene involves a narrow tunnel flooding with water. Despite some unexpected twists not resonating emotionally due to potential trauma overload, the show keeps viewers engaged by offering answers and resolution without leaving any loose ends.

And you will learn quite a bit about vultures and their dining habits — not what you might think.

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2025-07-17 10:31

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