Ben Turner is a happily married man in his late thirties who owns a used book shop and helps his wife run an inn in a small town in England. When a young local girl is found murdered in the woods, Ben has more than the safety of his own daughter to worry about. For his real name is Peter Baxter, and in his late teens he was convicted of child murder and spent years in prison. Now a woman moves into the inn and starts asking pointed questions.
In an era where television series often blend genres and push narrative boundaries, “Untamed” stands out as a compelling drama that intertwines elements of mystery and thriller against the stunning backdrop of Yosemite National Park. Premiering on Netflix on July 17, 2025, this six-episode series has quickly captivated audiences with its suspenseful storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and complex characters. Following special agent Kyle Turner, portrayed by Eric Bana, viewers are thrust into an intricate web of intrigue that not only explores a brutal murder but also delves deep into human emotions and the haunting shadows of one’s past.
The premise is simple yet enthralling: when a woman mysteriously falls to her death from El Capitan, Turner suspects foul play rather than an unfortunate accident. As he embarks on this perilous journey to uncover the truth, he must confront both external threats within the park's wilderness and internal struggles stemming from a personal tragedy—the loss of his young son six years prior. This duality enriches the narrative as viewers witness how grief can shape an individual’s moral compass while navigating through harrowing situations. The emotional depth brought by Bana's performance is complemented by a stellar cast featuring Sam Neill as Paul Souter—Turner’s mentor—and Rosemarie DeWitt as Jill Bodwin, Turner's ex-wife.
With each episode unraveling more layers of complexity surrounding both the case and Turner's troubled psyche, “Untamed” ensures that audiences remain engaged from start to finish. In just six episodes, viewers are treated to twists that keep them guessing about who can be trusted in a place where nature itself seems to conspire against them. Episode 2 takes viewers deeper into the mystery with strange symbols leading Turner and rookie ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago) to a remote encampment—a scene reminiscent of other thrillers like “Wild Crime” or “Wayward Pines,” making it relatable yet distinct in its execution.