Netflix’s Wayward tells a fictional account of the very real experience of the troubled teen industry, leading to an equally positive and tragic ending. Set in 2003, two teen girls named Abbie and Leila get into trouble at school and smoke pot, leading their principal to suggest the “therapy school” called Tall Pines Academy as a solution for their behavioral issues.
Abbie’s parents agree, allowing the school to kidnap their daughter and take her to what I can only describe as Hell on Earth. Leila tracks down the school with the intent to save her friend, and she gets caught. Unfortunately, Toni Collette’s chilling headmaster convinces Leila’s parents to make her stay.
Abbie and Leila try to find any way out, even relying on a new officer in town named Alex for help. However, he must unravel the school mystery while also supporting his pregnant wife, Laura, who attended the school as a teen, and acclimating to the cult-y town. This leads to a thought-provoking ending that’s equally heartbreaking and hopeful.
Why Leila Stays At Tall Pines Academy, But Abbie Leaves
At the end of Wayward, both Leila and Abbie have the chance to leave Tall Pines Academy for good, fleeing in the car that Alex left for them. However, they make different decisions. Abbie realizes that she can’t stay at Tall Pines, given the physical and mental abuse. However, Leila thinks that staying is the only option.
Two major factors contribute to Leila’s tragic choice. Firstly, Leila recognizes that, while Abbie has a family who loves her, she only has her mom. Unfortunately, based on their phone call, she doesn’t think her mom cares if she comes home or not.
Secondly, Leila infiltrated the “ascend” group at Tall Pines Academy, which meant that Evelyn gave her extra attention. She spent more time breaking down Leila and potentially introducing false memories, fostering a feeling of self-loathing in the young girl. Ultimately, Evelyn convinced Leila that she would only be worthwhile within the structure of Tall Pines.
