Prepare to dive into the captivating world of Wayward, a limited series that has left audiences with more questions than answers. Alyvia Alyn Lind, the talented actress behind the character of Leila, is here to unravel some of the lingering mysteries and share her insights.
Wayward takes us on a journey to the fictional Tall Pines Academy in Vermont, a so-called "therapeutic" school with a dark underbelly. Led by the enigmatic and cult-like figure of Evelyn Wade, played by the incredible Toni Collette, the school becomes a battleground for our protagonist, Leila, a Canadian teen on a mission to rescue her best friend, Abbie, from its clutches.
But here's where it gets controversial... Leila's plan backfires, and she finds herself enrolled in the very institution she sought to escape. The series explores the complex dynamics between these two friends, especially Leila's drug use, which was far more severe than Abbie ever imagined. The root of Leila's struggles lies in the traumatic death of her older sister, Jess, an event that Evelyn exploits to manipulate Leila's mind.
Leila is subjected to a psychological experiment, forcing her to confront her potential role in Jess' death. The series presents two versions of this harrowing incident, leaving viewers to question what truly happened. Alyvia Alyn Lind believes the more accurate portrayal is the one where Jess accidentally drowns, a tragic accident rather than a deliberate act.
However, Leila's memory is clouded by trauma, and she begins to believe she's a murderer. This belief is challenged by Abbie, who reminds Leila of a phone call they shared immediately after the incident. Lind emphasizes the commonality of memory lapses in traumatic situations, providing a compelling explanation for Leila's confusion.
As the series progresses, we witness Leila's mother's withdrawal from her maternal duties, a development that contributes to Leila's unexpected decision to stay at Tall Pines Academy. Lind suggests that Evelyn's manipulation played a significant role in this decision, exploiting Leila's trauma and soft center to control her.
Wayward arrived on Lind's radar shortly after the heartbreaking cancellation of her previous series, Chucky. With so many loose ends and a clamor for more, the question arises: Will there be another season? Lind shares the cast's initial awareness and sadness about the limited series format, but hopes remain high for a continuation, especially given the popularity and critical acclaim the show has garnered.
In a recent spoiler-filled conversation, Lind also opens up about her unique upbringing in a showbiz family, including her sisters, Natalie and Emily Alyn Lind, and their matriarch, Barbara Alyn Woods. She reflects on her early start in acting, revealing that it was always in her blood, and how her family's support and guidance shaped her career.
When asked about the similarities between her and her sisters' acting styles, Lind acknowledges their shared mannerisms and expressions but also highlights their distinctiveness, despite having the same acting coach in their mother. She believes they've adapted each other's little tricks over the years, creating a unique blend of familial influence and individual artistry.
The conversation then turns to the possibility of a Chucky revival. Lind expresses her eagerness to return to the show, praising the crew and cast and sharing her desire to avenge the Terror Trio and give them a better ending.
As for Wayward, Lind admits that the ending left her protective over Leila, wanting her to escape the school. However, she understands that characters must find their own paths, and she hopes the audience will continue to speculate and discuss the show's many interpretations.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the series is the mystery surrounding Jess' death. Lind shares her belief that Leila did not intentionally push her sister, but she also appreciates the episode's exploration of different versions, creating a conversation among viewers. She encourages fans to share their thoughts and interpretations, emphasizing the show's openness to individual perspectives.
Finally, Lind reflects on the emotional toll of filming the episode centered around Leila's tragic backstory. She describes it as a heavy yet rewarding experience, aiming to capture the essence of Leila's character and her journey.
In conclusion, Wayward has left an indelible mark on audiences and its cast, with Alyvia Alyn Lind leading the charge in unpacking its lingering questions. From the complex dynamics between friends to the manipulation of a troubled teen, the series has much to offer in terms of storytelling and character development. As Lind says, "We all want more," and with the show's popularity, there's a good chance we might just get it.
So, what do you think? Are you Team Evelyn or Team Leila? And do you believe there's a future for Wayward beyond its limited series format? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
