Netflix’s upcoming mystery thriller series Wayward is set to premiere on September 25, 2025. This eight-part series, which was created by Mae Martin—is about the dark secrets of the made-up town of Tall Pines. Abby (Sydney Topliffe) and Leila (Alyvia Alyn Lind), two Canadian teens, are sent to a strict school for “troubled teens” in the story. When the girls find out that there is a cult at their school, what starts out as an attempt to be more disciplined quickly turns into a fight for survival.
The series also stars Toni Collette as the school’s sinister headmistress, Leanne, and Mae Martin as Detective Alex Dempsey, a newcomer to the town whose personal life becomes tangled in the town’s secrets. Sarah Gadon and Brandon Jay McLaren round out the cast. With its chilling premise and suspense-filled story, Wayward promises to showcase both a gripping thriller and some stunning filming locations.
Where Was Wayward Filmed?
The movie Wayward was mostly made in Toronto and the surrounding areas in Ontario, Canada, from July to October 2024. The area is known for playing American small towns in films, and it was perfect for setting the mood of Tall Pines, which is creepy and alone.
Millbrook, Ontario
One of the key filming spots was Millbrook, Ontario, a small, picturesque town west of Peterborough. The cute streets and historic buildings in Millbrook were turned into the scary neighbourhood of Tall Pines. Beginning in early July 2024, filming in Millbrook began. King Street East was used a lot by the crew. Outside shots were taken along King St. E. between Union Street and Tupper Street on July 10, 2024 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Some roads—like Needlers Lane and parts of King Street between Cavan Street and Gravel Road — were closed off at times during filming. People could still walk through the town while it was being transformed into the mysterious world of Wayward, even though traffic was sometimes stopped for filming.
The production also utilized other areas around Toronto, including suburban streets and wooded areas that match the series’ secluded and ominous tone. Toronto’s versatile locations have long made it a favorite for thrillers and mystery series, and Wayward used its mix of urban and rural backdrops to enhance the show’s dark and suspenseful narrative.
Why Millbrook Is a Popular Filming Destination
Over the years, the town has hosted several notable productions, including The Music Man (2003) starring Matthew Broderick, David Cronenberg’s A History of Violence (2005), and the holiday film Let It Snow (2009).
Television series like Murdoch Mysteries and Anne with an E have also captured Millbrook’s scenic streets, further solidifying its place as a favorite for film crews. With Wayward now added to the list, the town continues to shine as a go-to location for suspenseful and visually rich storytelling.
Behind the Scenes of Netflix’s Wayward
Wayward was initially announced in 2023 under the title Tall Pines. Mae Martin, who also stars in the series, shared that the story is deeply personal, inspired by their own teenage years and the experiences of a close friend who attended a “troubled teen” institution. Filming in real small-town environments like Millbrook helped bring the unsettling world of Tall Pines to life on screen.
With its combination of talented cast, chilling storylines, and authentic Canadian locations, Wayward is set to deliver a gripping viewing experience when it arrives on Netflix in September 2025. Fans of dark thrillers and small-town mysteries will want to keep an eye out for the familiar streets of Millbrook doubling as the home of Tall Pines.
Official Trailer
For more updates on filming locations, TV series — and movie productions, visit netfilming.com, your source for behind-the-scenes filming news.
