Wayward

Set against the windswept cliffs and moody moorlands of Doolin, Ireland, Wayward is a haunting slow-burn mystery that reimagines the eerie folklore of the Pied Piper. Rooted in themes of sexism, power dynamics, and hidden truths, the series opens with the disappearance of 18-year-old Ailish Connolly on a stormy night, sending ripples of unease through the small, insular community.

The pilot introduces Detective Sergeant Garrett Ó Donnell, a pragmatic but jaded officer, and Garda Meadhbh Ryan, a sharp yet empathetic newcomer who challenges the town's unspoken rules. Together, they unravel the unsettling details of Ailish’s last known hours: a lone drive on a desolate cliff road, her stalled car, and a mysterious encounter that leaves her fate unknown.

As they navigate the tight-lipped community, they uncover layers of systemic disregard for the safety of women, from dismissive employers to controlling family dynamics. The show weaves a subtle but powerful commentary on the intersection of folklore and modern societal inequities, with the echoes of the Pied Piper legend coursing beneath the surface.

Imagery becomes a vital thread in the storytelling, with lingering shots of rain-soaked moors, abandoned caves, and symbolic clues hidden in every shot. The whistling wind and crashing waves act as harbingers, blurring the line between the natural and the supernatural. These visual elements hold pieces of the puzzle, offering attentive viewers a chance to decode the unfolding mystery.

The pilot concludes with a chilling encounter: a knock at Ailish’s car window, her recognition of the figure outside, and the ominous words, “You? What are you doing here?” The screen cuts to black, leaving audiences breathless and desperate for answers.

With its rich Irish setting, an unnerving reimagining of folklore, and a visual storytelling style that demands attention to detail, Wayward is a captivating exploration of fear, power, and the unseen forces that linger in the shadows of a quiet town.

  • Anna Maeve
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Television Script
  • Genres:
    Thriller, Mystery, Folklore
  • Number of Pages:
    28
  • Country of Origin:
    Ireland
  • Language:
    English
  • First-time Screenwriter:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Pitch Now Screenplay Competition

    January 15, 2025
    Semi-Finalist
Writer - Anna Maeve
Writer Statement

Full CV available at - annamaeve.com