Untamed Review: Netflix’s True Crime Drama Packs a Punch Amid Yosemite’s Wild Beauty

If you’re in the mood for something that blends true crime with raw nature and a bit of emotional grit, Untamed might be your next binge. The six-episode limited series hit Netflix on July 17, 2025, and has already started making waves as one of the more intriguing crime dramas of the summer. It’s got suspense, a stunning (and slightly terrifying) setting, and a lead performance that doesn’t try too hard, which is honestly refreshing these days.

The story centers around Kyle Turner, played by Eric Bana, a National Parks Service special agent who’s pulled into a murder investigation when a body is found deep in the backcountry of Yosemite National Park. But this isn’t your typical whodunit set in a gritty city or some small-town bar. No, this is Yosemite—untamed, dangerous, and breathtaking all at once. The stakes feel higher somehow, because here, it’s not just about solving a crime—it’s about surviving the wild while you do it.

Untamed: A True Crime Drama with a Wild Twist

One of Untamed’s biggest strengths is how it leans into its setting. The cinematography captures the raw beauty of Yosemite in a way that feels almost eerie. Towering cliffs, misty woods, and silent trails all add a sense of isolation that ramps up the tension. You can almost feel the chill in the air and hear the crunch of pine needles underfoot.

Critics have mostly been kind, and it shows. Untamed currently boasts an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. A lot of that praise goes to Bana, whose performance is subtle but effective. He’s not playing the flashy, tortured detective trope; instead, he brings this calm, emotionally bruised presence to the role that feels more grounded, more human.

The writing does a solid job of weaving together character backstories, environmental tension, and the murder mystery itself. It’s not just about the crime; it’s also about the personal toll of isolation, both physical and emotional. You get glimpses into Kyle’s past, his regrets, and the way the wilderness seems to echo what he’s going through inside. It’s layered, but not in a heavy-handed way.

Not Without Its Stumbles

Of course, no show’s perfect. Some viewers and reviewers have pointed out that the pacing dips here and there. Certain episodes feel like they’re stalling for time or repeating emotional beats we’ve already seen. A few critics even suggested that the whole thing might’ve worked better as a tight, two-hour film rather than a drawn-out series.

That said, when Untamed hits, it hits hard. The suspense builds steadily, and the final episodes deliver real payoff, both in terms of plot and emotional resolution.

Final Thoughts: Worth the Watch?

If you’re into crime dramas that do more than just tick boxes, if you want something that brings atmosphere, heart, and just enough danger to keep you leaning in, Untamed is worth checking out. It’s not flashy or fast-paced, but it’s thoughtful, tense, and beautifully shot.

And hey, if you’ve ever wondered what True Detective might look like with hiking boots and bear spray, this might just be it.