A Wilderness Thriller That Redefines the Genre

It’s not just another crime thriller. It’s dark. It’s violent. It’s addictive. And it just might be Netflix’s boldest gamble in years, a series that’s already being hailed as the “better Yellowstone” for its raw intensity and breathtaking setting. Untamed is the show everyone’s talking about, and it’s shaking up the streaming world.

Introduction

On July 17, 2025, Netflix unleashed Untamed, a six-episode limited series that’s taken the streaming landscape by storm, drawing comparisons to Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone while carving out its own ferocious identity. Starring Eric Bana as Kyle Turner, a haunted National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB) agent, the show plunges viewers into the rugged heart of Yosemite National Park, where a brutal murder unearths a web of secrets, corruption, and personal demons. Co-created by Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, with a stellar cast including Sam Neill, Rosemarie DeWitt, Wilson Bethel, and rising star Lily Santiago, Untamed blends neo-Western grit, psychological depth, and a visually stunning backdrop to deliver a crime thriller that’s as addictive as it is unsettling.

Critics are losing their minds, with an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score and an 89% audience Popcornmeter rating, signaling a rare alignment of praise from reviewers and fans alike. Posts on X call it “Yellowstone on steroids” and “the crime drama we didn’t know we needed,” while reviewers laud its “gripping mystery” and “visceral wilderness setting.” Unlike Yellowstone’s sprawling Montana ranch, Untamed stakes its claim in Yosemite’s untamed beauty—filmed in Vancouver and Chip Kerr Park, British Columbia—where nature itself becomes a character in a story of blood, betrayal, and redemption. This article dives into why Untamed is being crowned Netflix’s best move in years, exploring its release, cast, plot, critical reception, and the elements that make it a must-binge masterpiece.

The Release: A Summer Blockbuster for Streaming

Untamed premiered on Netflix on July 17, 2025, dropping all six episodes at once in a binge-friendly format that’s fueled sleepless nights for viewers worldwide. The series was filmed from June to September 2024, with a rapid post-production turnaround to capitalize on the growing appetite for neo-Western crime dramas. Netflix’s decision to release Untamed in the heart of summer 2025 positioned it as a counterpoint to the blockbuster movie season, offering a cinematic experience for home viewers. The timing paid off: within days, Untamed crashed Netflix’s global top 10, ranking in 55 countries alongside hits like Squid Game and The Waterfront.

The show’s debut was backed by a robust marketing campaign, with a trailer showcasing Yosemite’s towering cliffs and Eric Bana’s brooding intensity, drawing instant comparisons to Yellowstone and True Detective. Social media buzz exploded, with X users hyping the “insane twists” and “gorgeous cinematography,” while Reddit threads speculated on its potential to outshine Sheridan’s ranching epic. Netflix’s strategic push to fill the Yellowstone void—especially after securing streaming rights to Yellowstone’s prequel 1883 in select regions—has positioned Untamed as a flagship for the platform’s neo-Western ambitions.

The Plot: A Dark, Violent, Addictive Wilderness Saga

Untamed centers on Kyle Turner (Eric Bana), a seasoned ISB agent tasked with enforcing law in the vast wilderness of America’s national parks. When a young woman’s body is discovered in Yosemite, Kyle is called to investigate, partnering with rookie ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago). What begins as a murder mystery spirals into a labyrinth of corruption, drug smuggling, and buried secrets, with the victim revealed as Lucy Cook, the estranged daughter of chief park ranger Paul Souter (Sam Neill). As Kyle and Naya dig deeper, they uncover ties to a criminal network within the park, forcing Kyle to confront his own demons—grief over his son Caleb’s death and his fractured marriage to Jill Bodwin (Rosemarie DeWitt).

The series’ six episodes weave a slow-burn narrative that balances visceral action with psychological depth. Unlike Yellowstone’s focus on family dynasty and land disputes, Untamed leans into the isolation and danger of the wilderness, where nature’s beauty masks human darkness. The show explores themes of loss, redemption, and the cost of truth, with Kyle and Jill’s personal tragedy paralleling the central mystery. Wilson Bethel’s Shane Maguire, a ranger with questionable loyalties, adds tension, while the park’s tight-knit community—rangers, locals, and visitors—creates a pressure cooker of suspicion and betrayal. Critics have called it “a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling,” with Yosemite’s landscapes (shot in British Columbia) amplifying the stakes.

The season’s climax delivers a gut-punch: Paul’s suicide after Lucy’s identity is revealed, Shane’s death in a drug-related confrontation, and Kyle’s decision to leave Yosemite, haunted by his findings. Yet, the open-ended finale—coupled with fan demand—has sparked speculation about a second season, with a rumored October 3, 2026, release date for Season 2. Untamed’s addictive quality lies in its ability to blend raw violence, emotional weight, and a setting that feels alive, making it a standout in Netflix’s 2025 lineup.

The Cast: A Powerhouse Ensemble

Untamed boasts a cast that elevates its gritty narrative. Eric Bana’s Kyle Turner is the show’s anchor, his weathered intensity drawing comparisons to Kevin Costner’s John Dutton in Yellowstone. Bana, known for The Dry and Hulk, brings a raw vulnerability to Kyle, balancing stoic professionalism with a simmering grief that critics have called “career-defining.” Lily Santiago’s Naya Vasquez, a former LAPD officer and single mother, is a breakout, her chemistry with Bana providing both humor and heart. Santiago’s portrayal of Naya’s transition from urban cop to wilderness ranger has been praised as “authentic and compelling.”

Sam Neill delivers a tragic depth to Paul Souter, whose unraveling as Lucy’s father is a series highlight, while Rosemarie DeWitt’s Jill Bodwin adds emotional nuance as a woman grappling with loss and a strained marriage. Wilson Bethel’s Shane Maguire injects volatility, his ambiguous motives keeping viewers guessing. Supporting players like William Smillie as ranger Bruce Milch and a host of park staff and locals round out the ensemble, creating a lived-in community that mirrors Yellowstone’s Dutton ranch but feels distinct in its wilderness context. The cast’s ability to ground the show’s heightened drama in real emotion has been a key driver of its success, with critics noting, “Bana and Santiago carry the series, but the ensemble makes it unforgettable.”

Critical Reception: Critics Are Losing It

Untamed has ignited critical fervor, earning an 83% critics’ score and an 89% audience Popcornmeter rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with potential for “Certified Fresh” and “Verified Hot” status as reviews roll in. Pramit Chatterjee of Digital Mafia Talkies gave it a near-perfect 4/5, praising its willingness to “question the point of learning the truth when the damage done by lies is irreparable.” Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter noted its appeal to Yellowstone fans, crediting Bana, Santiago, and the Yosemite setting for keeping viewers “generally engaged.” Anthony Morris of ScreenHub advised, “Come for the scenery, stay for Bana’s slow thawing,” while Alex Maidy of JoBlo declared, “What Yellowstone did for Montana is what Untamed aims to do for Yosemite.”

Not all reviews are glowing. IndieWire’s Ben Travers gave it a C-, calling it “predictable and uninspired,” though he acknowledged the cast and setting as strengths. ScreenRant’s 4/10 review suggested Untamed might work better as a movie, citing pacing issues and reliance on familiar tropes. Yet, even detractors admit the show’s visual splendor and performances make it binge-worthy. Fans on X echo this, with posts like “Untamed is Yellowstone with more heart and less soap opera” and “Eric Bana’s intensity is unreal—best show of 2025!” The consensus: Untamed may not reinvent the genre, but its execution is electrifying.

Why It’s Called the “Better Yellowstone”

The “better Yellowstone” label stems from Untamed’s ability to capture the neo-Western vibe—rugged landscapes, moral ambiguity, and high-stakes drama—while offering a tighter, more focused narrative. Yellowstone’s sprawling five-season saga, with 53 episodes and multiple spin-offs, thrives on family dynasty and land battles, but critics have flagged its melodrama and implausible plots. Untamed, with its compact six-episode arc, avoids these pitfalls, delivering a leaner story that balances crime thriller intensity with emotional depth. Its Yosemite setting, compared to Yellowstone’s Montana ranch, feels fresh, with the park’s isolation amplifying the sense of danger.

Unlike Yellowstone’s focus on the Dutton family’s power struggles, Untamed dives into the broader park community—rangers, locals, and criminals—creating a more diverse ensemble. The show’s darker tone, reminiscent of True Detective, explores psychological complexity, particularly through Kyle’s grief and Naya’s outsider perspective. Fans on Reddit praise its “less soapy” approach, with one user noting, “Untamed feels like Yellowstone if it leaned harder into crime and less into family feuds.” The comparison isn’t just hype—Untamed’s 83% Rotten Tomatoes score edges out Yellowstone’s 72% for its final season, and its audience approval outpaces The Waterfront (64%), another Yellowstone-inspired Netflix series.

The Wilderness as a Character

Yosemite National Park, though filmed in British Columbia, is Untamed’s secret weapon. The show’s cinematography—sweeping shots of towering peaks, dense forests, and rushing rivers—rivals Yellowstone’s Montana vistas, creating a visual spectacle that’s both beautiful and menacing. Director Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights) and the Smiths use the landscape to mirror the characters’ inner turmoil, with fog-shrouded cliffs and treacherous trails amplifying the tension. Unlike Yellowstone’s ranch, which symbolizes legacy, Yosemite feels untamed and indifferent, a place where human laws falter against nature’s might.

The setting also sets Untamed apart from other Netflix neo-Westerns like Ransom Canyon or Territory, which lean on romance or soap opera elements. Yosemite’s park community—rangers, climbers, and locals—adds a unique texture, with real-world ISB cases inspiring the plot. Fans on X have called the scenery “a character in itself,” with one post raving, “Untamed makes Yosemite look like a place you’d die to visit—and maybe just die.” This immersive quality has sparked tourism buzz, much like Yellowstone did for Montana.

Netflix’s Best Move in Years?

Netflix’s investment in Untamed reflects a strategic push to dominate the neo-Western genre, especially as Yellowstone winds down on Paramount+. The streamer’s acquisition of Yellowstone’s early seasons and 1883 in select regions shows its intent to capture Sheridan’s audience. Untamed’s success—topping charts in 55 countries and earning critical acclaim—proves Netflix’s gamble is paying off. Unlike The Waterfront, which faltered with a 64% Rotten Tomatoes score, or Territory, canceled after one season, Untamed feels like a sustainable hit, with Season 2 rumors already swirling.

The show’s edge lies in its ability to blend Yellowstone’s rugged appeal with True Detective’s psychological depth, avoiding the soap opera excess that bogged down later Yellowstone seasons. Mark L. Smith, fresh off American Primeval’s 72% Rotten Tomatoes score, brings a cinematic pedigree (The Revenant), making Untamed feel like a prestige drama despite its genre roots. Netflix’s all-in approach—high production values, a killer cast, and a bingeable format—has positioned Untamed as a flagship for 2025, with fans on X calling it “the show Netflix needed to prove they can outdo Paramount.”

Potential for Season 2 and Beyond

Though billed as a limited series, Untamed’s open-ended finale and massive popularity have fueled speculation about a second season. Industry buzz points to an October 3, 2026, release, with Kyle potentially tackling a new case in another park, like Yellowstone or Glacier, or revisiting Yosemite to unravel lingering threads. The show’s anthology potential—new parks, new mysteries—mirrors the real-world mobility of ISB agents, offering endless storytelling possibilities. Fans on Reddit are already pitching ideas, from environmental crimes to serial killers, while X users demand more of Bana and Santiago’s “electric” chemistry.

Netflix’s track record of extending limited series (Your Honor, Beef) supports the likelihood of a Season 2, especially given Untamed’s streaming dominance. The show’s ability to address Season 1’s pacing critiques—some scenes lingered too long—could make a second outing even stronger. With Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe expanding via spin-offs like The Madison and Y: Marshals, Untamed stands as Netflix’s answer, a leaner, darker contender that’s already stealing the spotlight.

Conclusion

Untamed is Netflix’s triumph, a dark, violent, addictive crime thriller that’s earned its “better Yellowstone” crown. Eric Bana’s raw performance, Lily Santiago’s breakout role, and a stellar ensemble bring Yosemite’s wild heart to life, while Mark L. Smith’s storytelling delivers twists that keep viewers hooked. With an 83% Rotten Tomatoes score, a top-10 streaming spot, and fans losing sleep over its intensity, Untamed is a masterstroke that proves Netflix can dominate the neo-Western genre. As buzz builds for a potential Season 2, this wilderness saga has cemented itself as 2025’s must-binge hit, a firestorm of drama that leaves no one unscathed.