Untamed (2025) is one of the most anticipated mystery thriller limited series of the year, blending murder mystery, psychological drama, and stunning natural landscapes. Created by Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, and starring Eric Bana, this English-language series premiered on Netflix on July 17, 2025.
Movie Overview
Untamed unfolds across six tautly paced episodes set against the majestic yet unforgiving backdrop of Yosemite National Park. When a woman’s body—initially referred to as “Jane Doe”—is discovered at the base of El Capitan, grieving National Park Service special agent Kyle Turner (Eric Bana) is brought in to investigate. Paired with rookie ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago), Turner soon unearths a complex web of long-buried scars and systemic corruption—ranging from drug trafficking to murder, haunted pasts, and personal betrayals. As he digs deeper, he confronts nightmares from his own life, ultimately unraveling startling truths about the victim, his mentor, and the lengths people go to hide secrets. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Attribute Details
| Title | Untamed |
|---|---|
| Genre | Drama, Murder Mystery |
| Language | English |
| Release Date | July 17, 2025 |
| Creator(s) | Mark L. Smith & Elle Smith |
| Director(s) | Thomas Bezucha, Nick Murphy, Neasa Hardiman |
| Writer(s) | Mark L. Smith & Elle Smith |
Cast & Crew
Main Cast:
- Eric Bana as Kyle Turner, a grief-stricken National Park Service special agent
- Lily Santiago as Naya Vasquez, a rookie ranger and single mother
- Sam Neill as Paul Souter, chief park ranger and Turner’s mentor
- Rosemarie DeWitt as Jill Bodwin, Turner’s ex-wife
- Wilson Bethel as Shane Maguire, wildlife management officer with a complex past
Recurring Roles:
- William Smillie as Bruce Milch, a veteran ranger with reservations toward Turner
- Raoul Max Trujillo as Jay Stewart, a colleague offering Indigenous insight
- Ezra Franky as Lucy Cook (Jane Doe), the murder victim
- Nicola Correia-Damude as Esther Avalos, a lawyer probing Turner
Crew & Production: Created and written by Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, who also showrun and executive produce alongside Eric Bana, John Wells, Todd Black, and others. Directors Thomas Bezucha, Nick Murphy, and Neasa Hardiman helm the episodes. Music by Jeff Russo. Produced by Bee Holder Productions, Escape Artists, John Wells Productions, and Warner Bros. Television. Filming took place in Vancouver and Chip Kerr Park, Canada. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Trivia
- Filming Location vs. Setting: Though set in Yosemite National Park, the series was shot in and around Vancouver, British Columbia, including Chip Kerr Park, to replicate Yosemite’s rugged terrain. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Season Two Renewal: Although released as a six-episode limited series, Netflix renewed Untamed for a second season shortly after its debut in July 2025. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Viewer Popularity: Untamed topped Netflix’s English-language TV charts the week it premiered with 24.6 million views, retaining the lead the following week with 26.1 million views. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Critical Reception: Holds an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 62, signaling generally favorable reviews. Critics highlight Eric Bana’s performance and the striking Yosemite-inspired visuals. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Inspired by Real Events: The story is fictional but draws from real tragedies in Yosemite, such as climbing fatalities and references to the 1999 Yosemite Murders. This blending of fact and fiction adds gripping realism. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Ending Explained: The investigation reveals that Lucy Cook (Jane Doe) is actually the biological daughter of Paul Souter, who accidentally killed her during a blackmail confrontation. Meanwhile, Turner discovers that his ex-wife Jill orchestrated the death of their son’s murderer—creating a moral labyrinth. Turner’s journey concludes with him leaving Yosemite, while Vasquez takes his place. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Mixed Critical Takes: Some reviews praise its atmospheric richness and suspense, while others call it predictable, citing overused tropes despite strong performances and visuals. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
IMDbPro
For detailed production notes, full episode credits, complete cast & crew listings, and industry contacts, visit the IMDbPro page for Untamed. The main IMDb listing catalogs it as a 2025 American mystery drama limited series with six episodes, each roughly 42–51 minutes long, and notes key production companies such as Bee Holder Productions and Warner Bros. Television. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
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