Netflix’s latest foray into the murder mystery genre, Untamed, has burst onto the streaming scene with a promising 83% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling a strong debut for this six-episode limited series. Starring Eric Bana in his first major television role in seven years, alongside heavyweights like Sam Neill, Wilson Bethel, and Rosemarie DeWitt, Untamed promises a slow-burn thriller set against the breathtaking yet perilous backdrop of Yosemite National Park. But can this visually stunning drama, with its True Detective-esque grit and Yellowstone-style grandeur, live up to its early hype, or will it falter under the weight of its own ambitions? With a gripping central mystery, emotionally raw characters, and a unique wilderness setting, Untamed is poised to captivate audiences, even as some critics call it “predictable and uninspired.”

A Murder Mystery Rooted in Yosemite’s Untamed Wilderness

Untamed follows Kyle Turner (Eric Bana), a seasoned federal agent with the Investigative Services Branch stationed in Yosemite National Park. Turner is a man haunted by personal tragedy—the loss of his son years prior, a wound that still festers in his strained relationship with his ex-wife, Jill (Rosemarie DeWitt). When a dead body surfaces in the park, Turner is thrust into a partnership with rookie park ranger Naya Vazquez (Lily Santiago), a dynamic that crackles with tension and occasional levity. Together, they unravel a web of crimes and corruption that has plagued Yosemite’s pristine wilderness for years, revealing secrets that hit closer to home than Turner could have imagined.

The series, co-created by Mark L. Smith—known for his work on The Revenant, Twisters, and Netflix’s earlier 2025 miniseries American Primeval—blends the brooding intensity of a crime drama with the sweeping visuals of a nature epic. At six episodes, Untamed is designed as a self-contained story, offering a satisfying conclusion without the promise or burden of additional seasons. Its setting in Yosemite, though not filmed on location, sets it apart from typical urban crime dramas, leveraging the park’s unpredictable wilderness to amplify the stakes and danger.

Strengths That Hook Viewers

The early buzz around Untamed highlights several strengths that make it a compelling watch. Eric Bana’s portrayal of Kyle Turner is a standout, with critics praising his ability to convey both stoic determination and raw vulnerability. Turner’s personal struggles, particularly his unresolved grief over his son’s death and the secrets tied to it, add emotional depth to the procedural elements of the show. Rosemarie DeWitt’s Jill complements Bana’s performance, bringing a quiet intensity to their fractured relationship, while Lily Santiago’s Naya Vazquez injects fresh energy and a touch of humor into the partnership with Turner.

The series’ pacing, described as a slow-burn thriller, allows the central murder mystery to unfold gradually, with enough twists and turns to keep viewers guessing. The Yosemite setting, though recreated, is a character in its own right, with sweeping cinematography that captures the park’s majestic beauty and untamed danger. From dense forests to jagged cliffs, the environment underscores the narrative’s themes of isolation, survival, and hidden truths. The show’s exploration of the park’s community—rangers, locals, and visitors—adds a layer of authenticity, showing how crime and corruption can infiltrate even the most idyllic settings.

Critical Reception and Room for Growth

As of July 21, 2025, Untamed holds an 83% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 23 reviews, a strong start that positions it as a contender for “Certified Fresh” status. However, the score is not without its detractors. ScreenRant’s review, which gave the series a lukewarm 4 out of 10, criticized it as “predictable and uninspired,” suggesting it might have worked better as a feature film than a miniseries. Despite this, the majority of reviews praise the show’s gripping mysteries and strong performances, particularly Bana’s. The absence of an audience score at this early stage leaves room for speculation about how viewers will respond, though Smith’s previous Netflix series, American Primeval, saw audiences (87%) rate it higher than critics (72%), hinting at potential for Untamed to resonate similarly.

The show’s limited six-episode format is both a strength and a potential limitation. On one hand, it makes Untamed an accessible binge-watch, perfect for a weekend or a few evenings. Its self-contained story ensures a conclusive ending, avoiding the cliffhangers that often frustrate viewers of serialized dramas. On the other hand, some critics argue that the condensed format limits the depth of its world-building and character arcs, leaving certain plot threads underdeveloped. Still, the brevity ensures that Untamed doesn’t overstay its welcome, delivering a tight, engaging narrative for fans of the genre.

Comparisons and Context in the Streaming Landscape

Untamed inevitably draws comparisons to other heavy-hitters in the crime drama and thriller genres. Its dark, introspective tone and focus on a troubled protagonist echo HBO’s True Detective, while its sweeping visuals and emphasis on a rugged, natural setting invite parallels to Yellowstone. However, Untamed carves its own niche by rooting its story in the unique ecosystem of a national park, a setting rarely explored in depth in the genre. Unlike urban crime dramas like MobLand or sprawling epics like Yellowstone, Untamed balances intimate character drama with the vastness of its wilderness backdrop, creating a distinctive atmosphere.

Mark L. Smith’s track record adds intrigue to Untamed’s debut. His previous Netflix miniseries, American Primeval, tackled the gritty world of the American frontier, earning solid reviews but a slightly lower critics’ score than Untamed. Smith’s experience with high-stakes dramas like The Revenant and Twisters shines through in Untamed’s ability to blend visceral action with emotional storytelling. While Untamed may not reinvent the crime drama wheel, its focus on personal vulnerability and its novel setting make it a worthy addition to Netflix’s growing slate of limited series.

Why Untamed Stands Out

Beyond its stellar cast and picturesque setting, Untamed excels in its ability to weave personal and professional stakes into a cohesive narrative. Kyle Turner’s investigation into the park’s crimes is as much a journey of self-discovery as it is a quest for justice. His interactions with Jill and Naya reveal layers of his character, from his lingering guilt to his cautious optimism, making him a protagonist viewers can root for. The show’s exploration of corruption within the park community adds a layer of intrigue, suggesting that even in a place of natural beauty, human greed and deceit can take root.

The wilderness setting also amplifies the show’s tension. Yosemite’s unpredictable terrain—raging rivers, dense forests, and remote trails—serves as both a stunning backdrop and a constant threat, heightening the stakes of every chase and confrontation. This environmental unpredictability sets Untamed apart from more conventional crime dramas, where city streets or suburban neighborhoods often take center stage. The show’s ability to integrate the park’s ecosystem into its storytelling, from wildlife encounters to treacherous weather, creates a visceral sense of danger that keeps viewers on edge.

Potential and Pitfalls

While Untamed has garnered strong early reviews, its long-term impact remains uncertain. The 83% Rotten Tomatoes score is promising, but as more reviews roll in, the score could shift. The lack of an audience score at this stage makes it difficult to gauge how general viewers will respond, though the success of similar Netflix miniseries suggests it could find a loyal following. The show’s reliance on familiar crime drama tropes—gruff protagonist, buried secrets, corrupt institutions—may limit its ability to feel truly groundbreaking, as ScreenRant’s review suggests. However, its tight pacing, compelling performances, and unique setting give it a strong foundation to overcome these criticisms.

For viewers, Untamed’s biggest selling point may be its accessibility. At six episodes, it’s a low-commitment watch that delivers a complete story in a short span. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy mystery thrillers but don’t want to invest in a multi-season saga. The cast, particularly Bana and DeWitt, provides a strong anchor, while the chemistry between Bana and Santiago adds a layer of charm that lightens the show’s darker moments.

Conclusion

Untamed may not redefine the crime drama genre, but it doesn’t need to. With its gripping central mystery, emotionally resonant characters, and a stunning Yosemite-inspired setting, it offers a satisfying, binge-worthy experience for fans of slow-burn thrillers. Eric Bana’s return to television is a triumph, delivering a performance that balances grit and vulnerability, while the supporting cast—Rosemarie DeWitt, Sam Neill, and Lily Santiago—elevates the material further. Though some critics find it predictable, the show’s tight pacing and unique wilderness backdrop make it a standout addition to Netflix’s 2025 lineup. Whether you’re drawn to the twists of a murder mystery or the raw emotion of a personal tragedy, Untamed is a six-episode journey worth taking. As the series gains traction, it has the potential to become a fan favorite, proving that even in the untamed wilds of Yosemite, the darkest secrets can’t stay buried forever.