Saagar Kote
Created by Mae Martin, Netflix’s ‘Wayward’ is a complex tale of identity, violence, friendship, and loyalty. It delves into the intrigues of the Tall Pines Academy and the fates of the students who are forced to become part of it. The investigations of Alex Dempsey, the new police officer in town, unravel a string of secrets that put the lives of the students at risk. One of the most fascinating characters in the show is Stacey, a student at the academy, who shows violent tendencies and apathy from the moment her character is introduced in the narrative.
She becomes a direct participant in some of the most crucial points in the story, and also has tough relationships with some of her schoolmates. She hopes to redeem herself by extreme submission to authority, but finds it difficult to break free from mental health challenges. Her unique behavior and strange interactions with other students make her one of the standout characters in the show. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Stacey is a Troubled Teenager With a Penchant For Violence
Stacey is introduced in the second episode of the show as Abbie’s roommate at the Tall Pines Academy, and she tells her to follow the rules of the school. She is given the title of “pigeon” in the academy, which is a role of maintaining cleanliness. She exhibits chaotic behavior, checking the rooms of other students, and also talks to Abbie about the developmental phases in the academy. She is the only student who shows extreme dedication to the rules of the school and totally conforms to its norms. In a violent moment, Daniel attacks Stacey violently for being weird, after which she starts to blow the whistle given to her by the school. She enjoys penalizing and reporting other students, and her behavior gets increasingly strange.
During one of the “Hot Seat” sessions, she uses extremely harsh words to insult others, and also enjoys doing so. Stacey is excited when she is selected for the “Leap” therapy by Evelyn. She hopes that this will allow her to be free and also be adopted. The girl then undergoes the Leap therapy, wherein she is given dangerous drugs by Evelyn, who proclaims her freedom from past relationships. Stacey becomes docile and calm after the Leap therapy due to the heavy amount of drugs used on her. The girl becomes the subject of Daniel’s wrath during the student rebellion, wherein she and Rabbit are held hostage.
Stacey tries to stop the rebellion initially, but fails due to the other students pricking her with drugs. During the Mount Otis challenge, one of the most violent moments in the narrative unfolds. In an isolated confrontation, Stacey blames Daniel for harming Rabbit and for living without rules. As she comes closer, Daniel asks her to leave, but the girl responds by fatally stabbing him with a piece of wood. Rabbit then arrives to support her and leads her away from the murder site. Later, Rabbit’s request to adopt Stacey is denied by Evelyn, and the girl is subsequently taken away by new adoptive parents.
Isolde Ardies’ Performance Brings Stacey’s Chaos to Life
Stacey is a complex character who becomes a dangerous individual in the world of the Tall Pines Academy. Isolde Ardies plays Stacey in a way that makes her feel dangerous, unpredictable, and violent. The actress started her acting career with the portrayal of Viole O’Reilly in ‘Ruby and the Wall.’ She also appears as Fern in ‘Murdoch Mysteries.’ Right from the character’s introduction in the show, she becomes a weird presence in Abbie’s life.
Isolde’s performance is driven by subtle expressions and the use of fear-inducing reactions. One of the most impressive things about the portrayal is the attention to detail, especially in the scenes where Stacey becomes hysterical or starts to abuse fellow students. Stacey’s violent instincts are captured poignantly by the actress while also exploring her emotional vulnerabilities. Isolde is also set to star in ‘The Testaments,’ and will most likely continue to intrigue viewers with portrayals of complex characters in the future.
Read More: Wayward Episode 1 and 2 Recap
