Netflix has just released its latest murder mystery drama titledUntamed, and the show is off to a promising start with its debut Rotten Tomatoes score.Eric Bana leadsUntamed’s castin his first major TV role in seven years. The cast is also highlighted by Sam Neill, Wilson Bethel, and Rosemarie DeWitt.
Billed as a limited series, Untamed follows Kyle Turner (Bana), a federal agent for the Investigative Services Branch working inside Yosemite National Park. When a dead body is discovered, Turner partners up with a newcomer park ranger, uncovering crimes and corruption plaguing the park for years.
With tones ofTrue Detectiveand a visually stunning aspect akin toYellowstone,Untamedis a six-episode drama full of twists and turns. Aside from the central murder mystery, Turner and his ex-wife, Jill (DeWitt), are still dealing with the death of their son years prior, including the secrets linked to his fate.
At the time of writing,Untamedhas an 83% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoesbased on 23 registered reviews.ScreenRantalso reviewedUntamed, giving it a 4 out of 10, stating that the show is “predictable and uninspired,” but noted that it would have had more potential as a movie.
What Untamed’s Rotten Tomatoes Score Means
Eric Bana’s New Show Is Off To A Good Start
Untamedwas co-created by Mark L. Smith, who notably released another Netflix miniseries earlier this year in the form ofAmerican Primeval. The western starring Taylor Kitsch has a 72% score onRotten Tomatoes, which is a bit lower thanUntamed’s debut.
Seeing asUntamedis brand-new, the Rotten Tomatoes score will waver a bit, and the audience score has yet to be added. Looking at Smith’s previous show, it seemed like viewers foundAmerican Primevalto be a bit better than critics, based on the 87% audience score. Time will tell if something similar happens withUntamed.
Mark L. Smith also wrote several notable movies, such asTwisters,The Boys in the Boat, Overlord, andThe Revenant.
The early reviews indicate thatUntamedisn’t truly inventive in terms of a crime drama, but the mysteries are gripping enough as a slow-burn thriller.The characters, specifically Bana’s Kyle Turner, also lean into their vulnerabilities, making for some dark and emotional moments that will keep viewers invested.
Our Take On Untamed’s Rotten Tomatoes Score
The Crime Drama Has The Advantage Of Being A Quick Watch
It’s still early, but there’s a good chance Untamed could become “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes. Even if that’s not the case, the show has the advantage of being a miniseries. At only six episodes,Untamedis something that could be binged in a weekend or a few short days.Untamedalso has a satisfying endingsince it wasn’t created to spawn follow-up seasons.
Untamedisn’t a show that will replace other hits likeYellowstone, True Detective, or recent streaming hits likeMobLand, but it’s a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy mystery thrillers.The cast alone is a reason to giveUntameda chancebased on its strong early reviews. Turner’s new work partnership alongside Lily Santiago’s Naya Vazquez is notably interesting, and at times, comedic.
There’s also the intriguing aspect of the show being primarily set in Yosemite National Park. ThoughUntamedwasn’t filmed in the real Yosemite, it’s a different take on most crime dramas and thrillers by focusing on all aspects of the park community. The unpredictable nature of the wilderness ramps up the danger while allowingUntamedto stand out with its unique setting.
