“Wayward” Charts a Defiant Course Through Girlhood, Grief, and the Longing to Belong

In a cinematic landscape often saturated with sequels and safe bets, Wayward emerges as a daring, deeply personal indie goldmine—one that defies genre and expectations. Now streaming on Apple TV, Amazon, and Google Play, the feature-length debut from first-time writer-director Jacquelyn Frohlich introduces a bold new voice to independent cinema with a story that is as raw as it is resonant.

Part thriller, part coming-of-age drama, Wayward centers on 11-year-old Cleo (played with heartbreaking authenticity by Under the Bridge’s Chloe Guidry), a young girl shaped by instability and the fleeting nature of her nomadic life with her free-spirited mother (Jess Weixler). What begins as another cross-country road trip quickly evolves into something far more layered and dangerous when they pick up a charismatic hitchhiker (Jessica Sula), unearthing an emotional web of vulnerability, longing, and quiet desperation.

WayWard

“I wanted to capture a child’s authentic perspective by giving Cleo the role of interpreter in a world both familiar and strangely unknown,” says Frohlich. “At its core, “Wayward “is a story of longing, to belong, to matter regardless of age that can be felt just as deeply by the adults as by Cleo.”

That emotional core is what makes Wayward linger long after the credits roll. Frohlich was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, to a family that fled Nazi Germany which brings a cross-cultural richness to her storytelling. This uniqueness blends suspense with soul along with trauma and a bit of resilience. Furthermore, Frohlich’s background and experiences infuse the film with a sensitivity that is rare, even in the world of indie cinema.

Executive Producer, Director and Writer Jacquelyn Frohlich

The film’s journey to the screen is equally compelling. Shot on a micro-budget and nurtured through sheer vision and determination, Wayward had a limited theatrical run in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Austin before landing on streaming platforms. The fact that the film made it this far at all is a testament to the power of belief and talent from its director, its cast, and its producers.

Among them is industry veteran Colleen Camp, who not only served as an executive producer but also appears in the film. Best known for her work in classics like Clue, Election, and Apocalypse Now, Camp has long championed independent voices in film. “Jacquelyn Frohlich’s Wayward is a powerful example of why independent filmmaking matters—it’s compelling and deeply personal,” Camp says. “Supporting independent films and authentic storytelling is vital to the well-being and success of our industry.”

Also in the ensemble are standout performances from Jess Weixler (Teeth), Jessica Sula (Panic), Will Brittain (Let Him Go), Jamie Anne Allman (The Killing), and Rob Morrow (Northern Exposure). Behind the scenes, Frohlich is joined by producers Ian Michaels and Weixler, with distribution handled by the seasoned team at Abramorama. The distribution team responsible for previous projects including works with The Beatles, Dolly Parton, and National Geographic.

At just 100 minutes, Wayward doesn’t waste a frame. It’s a film that takes risks. Not only in its narrative structure and tone, but in trusting the emotional intelligence of its audience. It’s a genuine invitation to slow down, feel deeply, and embrace the unknown.

In a world that so often seeks clarity and categorization, Wayward dares to live in the grey. It’s messy. It’s beautiful. And it just might be the most honest film you’ll see this year.