The new limited series UNTAMED premiered on Netflix this week, starring Eric Bana as Kyle Turner, a brooding special agent investigating a mysterious death in California’s Yosemite National Park.
‘UNTAMED’ Season 1 drops on Netflix
Turner is part of the National Parks Service’s Investigative Services Branch, a lesser-known but real unit that handles serious crimes on protected federal lands.
In the opening episode, Turner is called to the scene after a woman’s body is found entangled in a rock climbers’ gear atop El Capitan.
His investigation kicks off a story that quickly hints there is more at play than a simple accident or animal attack.
The series is the creation of Mark L. Smith, known for The Revenant, and Elle Smith, known for The Marsh King’s Daughter. It aims to explore not only a murder mystery but also the psychological scars carried by its main characters.
“Everyone thinks of Yosemite as this beautiful place with all the vistas and all the scenery, but we were trying to touch on the dangers that are just beyond that,” co-creator Mark L. Smith explained.
Here’s what to expect from the rest of the season
The show positions itself as a character-driven thriller. Turner is a quiet, intense figure who rides horses, prefers solitude, and is haunted by a personal tragedy.
He’s joined by rookie park ranger Naya Vasquez, played by Lily Santiago. Vasquez, more familiar with city patrols than bear tracks, serves as a lens through which viewers discover the challenges of policing nature.
“Because Vasquez is new to the park, we get to see the park through her eyes,” said co-creator Elle Smith.
“We get to understand what this job is, and see the beauty of the park, but also the dangers.”
The tone of UNTAMED is serious and gritty, with suspense built into each episode. While the murder is the initial focus, it leads into a deeper criminal network hidden within the park—suggesting broader corruption and danger.
There are moments of action, including gunfights, bear attacks, and wilderness survival scenes, but also a quieter drama focused on guilt, redemption, and survival.
The supporting cast includes Sam Neill as Captain Souter, Turner’s superior, and Rosemarie DeWitt as Turner’s ex-wife. Both characters play roles in Turner’s personal story, which runs alongside the main investigation.
Although the series has its clichés—such as the lone, damaged hero and the rookie sidekick—it also offers scenic cinematography and a grounded sense of realism.
The wilderness becomes not just a backdrop but a character itself, both beautiful and unforgiving.
As the season progresses, viewers can expect twists in the investigation and revelations about Turner’s past.
While the mystery has some predictable turns, the atmospheric setting and the strong performances provide solid entertainment for fans of crime thrillers.