Netflix’s limited series Untamed (released July 17, 2025) plunges viewers into the haunting beauty of Yosemite National Park, where Special Agent Kyle Turner (Eric Bana) and rookie ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago) investigate the shocking discovery of a body dangling from the face of El Capitan. At first, it looked like just a slip, but then things got real dark—a gunshot, ropes, and some creepy signs point the pair into a messy world of shady stuff and hidden truths.
The Strange Death of Lucy Cook
It all starts when a climber’s rope suspends on a woman’s body that lies at the base of El Capitan, the giant granite cliff of Yosemite. The victim, by the old case files and tattoo match, was said to be Lucy Cook. This young woman went missing many years ago while under foster care. Her pre-missing life involved pain, abuse, abandonment, and the jittery fight to stay alive. Then, she found shelter in Yosemite, where she got herself tangled in the city’s illegal trafficking.
The more Agent Turner and Ranger Vasquez dug into the matter, the more Shane Maguire, the reclusive park officer believed to move drugs, seemed their prime suspect. Then later came the twist of twists: Chief Ranger Paul Souter, Turner’s mentor back in the day, turned out to be Lucy’s actual father. Lucy found out and asked Souter for hush money. Souter had a meltdown. They argue near El Capitan, and Souter shoots Lucy in the leg. Wounded and scared, she fell off the cliff and died.
Who killed Sean Sanderson?
Another mystery is running parallel with that of Lucy, one of Sean Sanderson, whose old-time crime was killing Kyle’s young son. Though he apparently went into hiding without any traces whatsoever, we find out soon enough what fate befell him: secret liquidation by Shane Maguire on the orders of Kyle’s ex-wife Jill.
Jill was so tormented by the fact that her son’s killer had escaped justice that she hired a hitman and kept it all hidden for many years. The revelation, thankfully in the late episodes, shatters Kyle and marks the end of their already fragile relationship. It gave the plot a layer of personal anguish and moral ambiguity. It adds a layer of personal pain and moral ambiguity to the overall story.
Is It Worth Watching?
If you’re into crime shows with a wild backdrop, Untamed is a must-watch. It’s got heart, keeps you on the edge of your seat, and wraps up nicely, all in six episodes. Even though it feels like it’s just a bunch of cliches from crime thrillers, the whole thing’s got some real heart, and the Yosemite vibes make it stand out from the usual stuff.
What’s Next for Untamed?
The shot of Lucy Cook was filmed at the top of El Capitan, Yosemite’s most famous and gorgeous cliff. While we had to shoot from there because it looked like the best view, it contrasted with the action of the shot – Souter’s shot taken out of panic and guilt – it was the emotional climax of the series. To further establish the unseen element of the isolated wilderness from where Sean Sanderson was off-screen murdered and hidden away was crucial to demonstrate the series theme of hidden sins behind a peaceful facade.
Netflix has yet to officially confirm the green light for Season 2 of Untamed. They have labeled it a limited series, but the creators and lead cast members have all indicated that they would like to explore new mysteries and possibly do so in other U.S. national parks. If Turner does not return, there will be exciting potential to explore crime in untouched wilderness. For now, we have good evidence that viewer engagement was strong, and we should hear an announcement next week or soon. Until then, Untamed remains a haunting, beautifully shot limited series that leaves us with closure and curiosity.
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Final Thoughts
Untamed covers a shadowy journey through loss, guilt, and the secrets we bury – even in very open and natural spaces. Now that Lucy Cook’s and Sean Sanderson’s stories have come to a powerful conclusion, we are offered forms of satisfying resolutions while keeping the potential for new investigations should Netflix return to the wild. Keep your eyes peeled—if the crowd keeps showing interest, we might just get the thumbs-up for Season 2 as well.
IMDb: 7.3/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 78% Newsslash Ratings: 4.8/5
Written by Nidhi Singh