On its surface,Wildernessappears to be the next thriller series worth watching despite its seemingly derivative plot. From the outside looking in, Liv (Jenna Coleman) and Will Taylor (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) are a happy couple deeply in love. However, their circumstances quickly change when their relationship is rocked by infidelity thanks to the husband. What begins as romance quickly devolves into a story of a possible murder at the hands of the wife.
Afterrelocating from the U.K.to New York City for Will’s new job, Liv is left without work, which means she’s home a lot playing homemaker. After Will returns home from a work trip on Christmas Eve, Liv discovers a text message from another woman on his phone while he’s in the shower. Therein lies the catalyst for the rest of the show. He promises it was a one-time thing, although it probably wasn’t, and subsequently plans “the trip of a lifetime” at a wilderness resort where they both can escape the chaos of their new lives.
Surprisingly, there’s a lot aboutWildernessthat makes it worth watching. It’s ridiculously fun, it doesn’t overstay its welcome, there’s a refreshing sense of female unity despite its storyline, and the music selection is amazing.
Ridiculous Fun
The series isn’t as much of aheart-pounding thrilleras it advertises itself to be, but it’s a ridiculously fun and entertaining guilty pleasure, nonetheless. After Will’s bogus apology, Liv discovers a video on his computer of him and Cara (Ashley Benson), the other woman, in the act in which he promises to leave his wife. At that moment,Liv becomes vengefuland begins to plot his murder, which she’ll make look like an accident. She makes it clear she won’t end up like her mother, watching her spouse move on without her with some other woman living the life she should have.
From the onset, the show emanates heavyGone Girlvibes, which isn’t a bad thing. The way Liv narrates her actions and her story throughout the series is very much in line with the 2014 film. In a similar fashion, there’s a sense of humor throughout the series alongside the vengeful feelings Liv has toward her husband. However,Wildernessdoesn’t capture the same kind of sophistication. Rather, it feels more like a wannabe little sister attempting to imitate its much cooler older sister. That being said, it manages to do so in a ridiculously fun way.
Related:Taylor Swift Teases ‘Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor’s Version)’ in First Wilderness Trailer
Doesn’t Overstay Its Welcome
At six episodes,Wildernessmoves right along and gets to the point. While it might seem like an odd flex to boast about a show being short, for a series such as this one, it makes it moreworthwhile to watch. If the series had been any longer, it would have felt like a drag to get through. A lot happens within each episode, which means there isn’t wasted time spent on unnecessary drama. In what is a fairly dramatic show given its content, and because it doesn’t overstay its welcome, it makes for a better viewing experience for the audience. The show isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It knows exactly what it’s doing and sticks to it.
Refreshing Female Unity
By no means isWildernessa feminist triumph, but the women in the series don’t pit themselves against one another despite its story of indefinitely and the “other woman,” which is incredibly refreshing to watch. In fact, there are quite a few moments throughout the series in which the women come together in ways that aren’t normally seen in such shows or movies. Rather than blame Cara for Will’s infidelity, Liv makes it clear herhusband’s actions alone are the actual issue. Following the revelation of Will’s continuous deceitful behavior, Liv’s murder plot involves him alone. While she’s clearly perturbed about dealing with Cara in any way, she shows no interest in punishing her for her involvement with Will.
Related:Exclusive: Wilderness Director So Yong Kim Wants Audiences to Feel an Edgy Thrill in Her New Series
Good Music
It might seem odd to judge a show based on its music selection, but in the case ofWilderness, the songs manage to bring a lot to the table in regard to the quality of the show. Themusic adds an element that’s vitalto the direction and feeling of each episode, which wouldn’t be conveyed in the same way had such music selections been absent. Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” plays over the show’s opening credits, which acutely sets up the entire vibe of the show and generally foreshadows what’s to come.Wildernessmanages to feel very modern and attractive in a sense because the music aids in conveying that to the audience. The music almost feels like its own very important character.
WhileWildernessis good, it could be argued that the show ends without much of a spark. When all was said and done, it did feel as though something was missing from the show’s conclusion. Nonetheless, it doesn’t feel like a waste to watch, although it’s by no meansa life-changing endeavor.
For a show likeWilderness, good is a relative term. It’s by no means a bad show, and it’s worth watching, but it’s not for everyone. If the show sounds appealing, then it’s worth checking out. If nothing about it sounds intriguing, then it’s worth skipping.
All six episodes ofWildernessare now available to stream on Prime Video.
