Untamed

I was hooked right away and binge watched the 6 episodes without a single break, literally! I didn't realize I'd barely moved until I was done! My knees made me acutely aware though upon standing up!

Seriously though, gripping slow burn plus the landscape and cinematography is amazing of course. The mixed reviews on here so far just tells me that you will either love it or maybe not.

After watching I thought that the feeling or pull was very similar to the first season of Pickett on Prime. If you've seen that show's first season and liked it then Untamed is for you. To all readers though, I suggest watching the first episode and I guarantee you'll know whether or not it's for you by the end.

I would like to add that yes of course there are some things, just like in every show or movie, that the viewer thinks could have been better. But this was one of the best shows I've seen in a while.

(...That being expected of course with Netflix's production budget that has taken TV Shows to another atmosphere! So thanks for putting our subs to good use Netflix!)

In 2016 I fulfilled one of my life's dreams and I stayed 2 nights in Yosemite park, at the Ahwahnee Lodge. From this point of view the series is a true reward. The plot is a different thing. At the end you can't help but ask yourself what was the core story to begin with: the Caleb story, the Lucy story, the drug subplot... The problem with convoluted plots is that they get too twisty for their own good, and as a screenwriter and novelist myself I know what I'm talking about. The main character, a federal agent in charge of crime investigations in national parks, never connects with the viewer, or with other characters for that matter; not once he allows himself to even grin, never. His detachment from everything, except from his obsession to solve Lucy's death, puts us off from his emotional core as a human being. We care more about Vasquez, a normal person, or even Jill, his ex wife. Main characters don't need to be too complex or traumatized to be interesting, especially if they have to solve complex crimes. What about just doing their job in a professional and efficient way without spending too much time brooding? Direction is functional, acting won't earn them any awards, writing wants to be clever sometimes, and there are even some magic realism touches. All in all is a quite pleasant series to watch, but 4 episodes might have done it just as well. 7/10.

Untamed is a good watch-the stunning backdrop alone, will make it worth your while. Bana delivers an intense performance, embodying both vulnerability and strength, while Santiago adds emotional depth with her portrayal, creating a strong chemistry that will draw you into the story. It was also good to see Raoul Max Trujillo (Apocalypto). The cinematography is great, and captures the majestic landscapes, enhancing its menacing atmosphere. However, the pacing is a little off, it feels somewhat rushed, with key plot developments and character arcs lacking exploration, which will tend to leave you wanting more depth. Despite these issues, it's engaging with a blend of suspense and emotional resonance, making it captivating. Give it a shot.

"Untamed" opens with strong potential: Eric Bana delivers a solid, grounded turn as Kyle Turner, a National Parks Service agent called to investigate a grisly death in Yosemite. Co-starring the likes of Sam Neill and Rosemarie DeWitt, the series promises a dark, atmospheric mystery set against the stunning wilderness .

What works:

The setting is compelling-a rugged backdrop that lends an eerie tension.

The cast, especially Bana, brings credibility and emotional depth.

The premise-cracking a brutal murder within a sprawling national park-sets up a strong narrative.

What slows it down:

Early episodes slog through setup, and the pacing drags noticeably. It often feels like you're "waiting for something to happen," but the payoff isn't immediate.

While the mystery has promise, there are moments where plot threads linger without clear direction, stretching the runtime thin.

In summary: "Untamed" is not bad-solid acting, moody visuals, and an intriguing thriller concept. But it's hampered by a slow burn that sometimes feels overly prolonged. If you enjoy character-driven mysteries with a dash of wilderness ambiance and don't mind a deliberate pace, it's worth a watch. Otherwise, the drag might make you wonder when things will pick up.

A fine series that occasionally feels longer than necessary.

I just binge-watched all the episodes and loved the beautiful and breathtaking nature as well as the cinematography. The plot was interesting and kept me engaged until the end. The actors' performances were solid, though not particularly memorable. Unfortunately, the twist at the end was somewhat unsatisfying and felt implausible.

While Turner has previously been known for tying up loose ends, this miniseries didn't quite manage that. The pacing felt rushed, and the editing prevented the story from building any real suspense. Certain scenes were predictable, and some of the minor subplots had potential but were not developed to their fullest.

I appreciated the personal stories of Turner and Vasquez, but I was left with many unanswered questions about the murder and the events that led up to it.

All in all, a solid production and time well spent-but not something I'll remember or feel the need to watch again.