Netflix Releases Tense Six-Part Murder Mystery Series
Netflix’s latest thriller Untamed premiered this week, offering a tightly structured six-episode series set in Yosemite National Park. The show opens with two climbers scaling a cliff face as a woman’s body plummets from above, entangling them mid-ascent. The shocking moment propels the storyline into a dangerous investigation led by a law enforcement officer from the National Park Service.
Eric Bana Leads as Haunted Investigator Kyle Turner
Eric Bana plays Special Agent Kyle Turner, an officer with the elite Investigative Services Branch. Turner travels to Yosemite following the death of a 21-year-old woman, initially presumed to be a climbing fatality. His suspicion deepens after uncovering a gunshot wound and signs of trauma on the victim’s body.
Turner teams up with rookie ranger Naya Vasquez, played by Lily Santiago, who recently transferred from Los Angeles. Their investigation drags them deep into Yosemite’s backcountry where danger increases with every clue.
Eric Bauna as Special Agent Kyle Turner
A Solid Narrative Anchored by a Rugged Landscape
Creators Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith use the national park not only as a backdrop but also as a thematic centre. Smith previously wrote The Revenant and created American Primeval, while Elle Smith brings fresh perspectives into the plot. Although filmed in British Columbia, the show convincingly captures Yosemite’s vast terrains and vertical drama.
Turner, the lead character, spends much of the series on horseback, travelling across vast tracts of wilderness. The show leans into the isolation of the land, revealing how those who live close to nature often harbour complex motivations.
Crime and Landscape Intertwine in Every Frame
The characters acknowledge that most tourists see only a fraction of Yosemite. Turner tells Vasquez, “The rest that’s out there … things happen different out there.” His words reflect the unfolding mystery that navigates both human danger and environmental unpredictability.
Turner and Vasquez navigate remote trails and encounter squatters, seasonal workers, and wildlife officers. One key figure, portrayed by Sam Neill, is Paul Souter, Yosemite’s chief ranger and Turner’s old friend. He helps Turner manage the park’s politics while facing his own ethical dilemmas.
Unpacking Turner’s Past and Present
The series slowly reveals Turner’s personal history, including his fractured relationship with his ex-wife Jill, played by Rosemarie DeWitt. Their shared grief adds tension to his decisions and interactions throughout the story. Turner’s trauma defines his choices but never overpowers the investigative arc.
Moments such as Turner lowering himself from a cliff to examine the girl’s body reflect his composure and methodical nature. His handling of evidence, including wearing gloves mid-air, reinforces his professional instincts even under pressure.
Strong Visuals and Lean Plot Drive the Series
Untamed wastes no time in building tension. In the first episode, Turner finds a bullet hole in a tree and blood on surrounding leaves. As the investigation grows, so do the threats. The line between predator and victim blurs with every passing scene. The show avoids unnecessary side plots, keeping focus on the investigation and the evolving partnership between Turner and Vasquez.
Paul Souter, while less central, offers gravitas through his longstanding bond with Turner. Meanwhile, Wilson Bethel plays Shane Maguire, a wildlife officer with a murky background who prefers isolation. His connection to the park and its dark corners provides further twists in the narrative.
Real-World Data Enhances Authenticity
Yosemite’s own history adds realism to the series. Between 2018 and 2020, the park recorded over 730 search and rescue operations. These statistics make the show’s scenario—of danger hidden beneath beauty—feel grounded in reality.
The series uses this context to explore how people interact with the land. Some characters live off-grid. Others pursue seasonal work just to be near nature. These lifestyle choices bring them closer to peril, forming an important thread throughout the series.
Also Read: Coldplay Concert Kiss Cam Exposes Astronomer CEO Andy Byron in Viral Affair Scandal
Pacing and Performance Keep Viewers Engaged
Eric Bana, described by Elle Smith as someone who “looks good on a horse,” brings physical presence and internal restraint. Mark L. Smith added, “He’s good at playing silence.” This combination suits Turner’s brooding style, making him compelling without veering into caricature.
Though Untamed uses several standard crime tropes, including a hardened lead and a troubled past, it compensates with atmosphere and consistent narrative momentum. Scenes in abandoned mines, across mist-covered meadows, and inside ranger stations maintain tension without overstaying their welcome.
Limited Series Format Boosts Storytelling
At six episodes, the series avoids filler and moves briskly toward resolution. Viewers can binge the entire story in a single evening. The mystery remains the primary hook, with enough turns to maintain interest. Flashbacks, side characters, and confrontations build toward a satisfying conclusion.
The show’s tight format offers a contrast to longer series weighed down Netflix by subplots. Here, every scene serves the story. By the final episode, Turner and Vasquez uncover far Netflix more than a single crime. They reveal how wilderness conceals both peace and peril.
Untamed Streaming Now on Netflix
Untamed is now streaming globally on Netflix. It Netflix delivers an efficient crime story Netflix anchored in the vast landscapes of Netflix the American West. The series combines strong performances, dynamic visuals, and real-world grounding to create a binge-worthy experience with wide appeal.
