Hollywood’s rising actress Alyvia Alyn Lind for interview. She is a series regular in Netflix’s psychological thriller Wayward.
Photo Credit: Saty Pratha/Netflix
exclusive interview :@ouchmagazineny
Wayward is a unique psychological thriller with a lot of layers. Can you tell us a little about your character, and what drew you to this role?
I play Leila - a headstrong, grungy, self-destructive, lost, teenage girl. She carries a lot of hidden pain beneath a very guarded exterior. What drew me in was how layered she is - she’s strong but also fragile in moments, and I loved the challenge of exploring those contradictions. I felt like the role was an opportunity to tell a story that isn’t often seen on screen, especially from the perspective of young people who’ve been silenced in real life.
Your character is navigating a very intense and complex environment at the "Tall Pines" school. How did you prepare emotionally and mentally for such a challenging role? Did you research unregulated treatment centers or cults?
I did a lot of research before stepping into this world. I read survivor blogs, watched documentaries, and spoke with people who had gone through similar institutions. Honestly, some of it was really difficult to process - it was disturbing and heartbreaking to hear what so many kids endured. But it also gave me a deeper respect for their resilience, and I wanted to honor that truth in my performance.
The show explores the darker side of the troubled teen industry. What do you think Wayward hopes to convey about these real-life issues, especially from a teen's perspective?
I think Wayward wants to shine a light on the systems that have failed kids. It’s not just about the trauma itself, but about how these places took advantage of vulnerable families who were desperate for help. From a teen’s perspective, it’s about feeling trapped and powerless, but also finding moments of connection and strength. My hope is that the show opens up conversations and maybe even helps people look at this industry with more awareness.
You’re working alongside Toni Collette, who’s known for her incredible range. What’s it like sharing scenes with her, and how has she influenced your own acting process on set?
It’s honestly surreal. Toni has this ability to be completely present in every moment - she gives so much to her scene partners and that’s really inspiring. Watching her work up close has been a masterclass.
How would you describe the dynamic between your character and the other teens at Tall Pines? What kind of relationships will viewers see unfold in the series?
Their dynamic is complicated like most teen relationships are, but the stakes are much higher at Tall Pines. Some of them form tight bonds out of survival, while others clash because fear and trauma bring out different sides of people. There’s friendship, rivalry, betrayal, and also surprising moments of solidarity. You’ll definitely see how the Tall Pines environment forces them to rely on each other in unexpected ways.
There’s an element of suspense and mystery in Wayward. Was there a particular scene or storyline in the series that challenged you the most as an actress?
Without giving away spoilers, there’s a scene where my character must confront both her past and the reality of what’s happening at Tall Pines. It was emotionally exhausting to shoot, but I believe it’s a scene in the series that will stick with you - those are the most rewarding to create in the end.
You’ve had quite an impressive career already, with notable roles in both TV and film. How has Wayward been different from some of your past projects, and what have you learned from playing such a complex character?
Wayward has definitely been one of the more challenging projects I’ve worked on because of the tone and subject matter. A lot of my past roles have been in lighter worlds or very specific genres, but this called for a different kind of focus. I think the biggest thing I’ve taken away is learning how to stay consistent -- showing up every day ready to tap into those emotions and keeping the character real and raw.
In a series like this, where the tone is so emotionally heavy, what do you do to maintain balance and not get overwhelmed by the material?
Honestly, I lean a lot on humor. Off-camera, the cast and crew found little ways to make each other laugh and keep things light between takes. I also listen to music to decompress. I've found music is the easiest and most effective way to switch back and forth between moods.
Looking back on your career so far, what role or moment do you feel has shaped you the most as an actress? And what’s next for you after Wayward?
Every project has shaped me in different ways. I’ve been so fortunate to play characters that are written so well and are so complex.
As for what’s next, I have found a love in creating my own stories. I’m excited to explore the world behind the camera and to continue taking on roles that challenge me in different ways.
How would you describe the dynamic between your character and the other teens at Tall Pines? What kind of relationships will viewers see unfold in the series?
Their dynamic is complicated like most teen relationships are, but the stakes are much higher at Tall Pines. Some of them form tight bonds out of survival, while others clash because fear and trauma bring out different sides of people. There’s friendship, rivalry, betrayal, and also surprising moments of solidarity. You’ll definitely see how the Tall Pines environment forces them to rely on each other in unexpected ways.
There’s an element of suspense and mystery in Wayward. Was there a particular scene or storyline in the series that challenged you the most as an actress?
Without giving away spoilers, there’s a scene where my character must confront both her past and the reality of what’s happening at Tall Pines. It was emotionally exhausting to shoot, but I believe it’s a scene in the series that will stick with you - those are the most rewarding to create in the end.
You’ve had quite an impressive career already, with notable roles in both TV and film. How has Wayward been different from some of your past projects, and what have you learned from playing such a complex character?
Wayward has definitely been one of the more challenging projects I’ve worked on because of the tone and subject matter. A lot of my past roles have been in lighter worlds or very specific genres, but this called for a different kind of focus. I think the biggest thing I’ve taken away is learning how to stay consistent -- showing up every day ready to tap into those emotions and keeping the character real and raw.
In a series like this, where the tone is so emotionally heavy, what do you do to maintain balance and not get overwhelmed by the material?
Honestly, I lean a lot on humor. Off-camera, the cast and crew found little ways to make each other laugh and keep things light between takes. I also listen to music to decompress. I've found music is the easiest and most effective way to switch back and forth between moods.
Looking back on your career so far, what role or moment do you feel has shaped you the most as an actress? And what’s next for you after Wayward?
Every project has shaped me in different ways. I’ve been so fortunate to play characters that are written so well and are so complex.
As for what’s next, I have found a love in creating my own stories. I’m excited to explore the world behind the camera and to continue taking on roles that challenge me in different ways.
f you could give advice to young aspiring actors who may look up to you, especially those hoping to break into such nuanced roles as you have, what would you say?
Don’t be afraid of the hard stuff. The roles that scare you are usually the ones that teach you the most. And to always prioritize joy in the process
