Prime Video’s Twisted Six-Part Thriller Wilderness Is Being Compared to Harlan Coben — And Every Episode Is Available to Binge
A seemingly perfect marriage, a devastating betrayal and a dream holiday that takes a sinister turn form the heart of Wilderness, the gripping psychological thriller starring Jenna Coleman.
Originally released on Prime Video in 2023, the six-part drama has attracted attention for its unpredictable storyline, dark atmosphere and powerful central performance.
Adapted from B.E. Jones’ novel of the same name, the series follows a woman whose discovery of her husband’s infidelity transforms a romantic American road trip into something far more dangerous.
For viewers who enjoy the twists and psychological tension associated with Harlan Coben thrillers, Wilderness offers a similarly addictive mystery that can be watched in a single weekend.
What Is Prime Video’s Wilderness About?
At the centre of the story are Liv, played by Jenna Coleman, and her husband Will, portrayed by Oliver Jackson-Cohen.
The British couple appear to have everything they could want.
They have left their hometown behind and built a glamorous new life in New York, where their marriage seems strong and their future looks promising.
However, their apparently idyllic relationship conceals a devastating secret.
When Liv discovers that Will has been having a long-term affair, her carefully constructed world begins to collapse.
The betrayal leaves her heartbroken, but her grief soon develops into something darker: a desire for revenge.
Hoping to repair their marriage, Will proposes a romantic journey through some of America’s most spectacular national parks.
For him, the trip represents an opportunity to rebuild their relationship.
For Liv, however, the journey offers an entirely different possibility.
As the couple travel through breathtaking landscapes, the tension between them intensifies, and their supposed fresh start becomes increasingly dangerous.
A Dream American Road Trip Becomes a Psychological Nightmare
One of the most compelling elements of Wilderness is the contrast between its beautiful surroundings and the disturbing events unfolding within the marriage.
The couple’s journey takes them through America’s national parks, providing a dramatic backdrop to their deteriorating relationship.
What initially resembles a romantic escape gradually becomes a tense psychological battle driven by jealousy, betrayal and revenge.
The series explores how quickly love can turn into resentment when trust is destroyed.
Rather than presenting a straightforward story of marital infidelity, Wilderness builds suspense around Liv’s emotional transformation and the consequences of her decisions.
The result is a dark, unpredictable thriller in which appearances can be dangerously misleading.
Jenna Coleman Explains What Drew Her to the Story
Jenna Coleman, known for her roles in The Serpent and Victoria, leads the drama as Liv.
Her performance captures the character’s movement from apparent happiness to emotional devastation and an increasingly complicated desire for revenge.
Speaking to RTS about the series, Coleman explained that the story’s cautionary nature was central to its appeal.
“What’s so interesting about the piece and what really drew me and is so potent is that it’s a cautionary tale; it’s a fable and incredibly primal,” she said.
The actress also described the experience she hoped audiences would have while watching.
“We [want] the audience really investing in the acid trip, emotional rollercoaster that the tale is.”
That emotional intensity is central to the series, which places Liv’s changing state of mind at the heart of the mystery.
Who Stars in Wilderness?
Alongside Coleman, the thriller features Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Will.
Jackson-Cohen is known for his performance in the psychological horror film The Invisible Man, making him a fitting choice for a drama built around deception and mistrust.
The supporting cast includes several familiar television and film performers:
- Jenna Coleman — The Serpent
- Oliver Jackson-Cohen — The Invisible Man
- Ashley Benson — Pretty Little Liars
- Eric Balfour — Six Feet Under
- Claire Rushbrook — Sherwood
- Marsha Stephanie Blake — Orange Is the New Black
- Morgana Van Peebles — Superstition
Together, the cast brings the increasingly complicated relationships and emotional conflicts to life.
Why Wilderness Is Being Compared to Harlan Coben Thrillers
For audiences who enjoy mysteries filled with unexpected revelations, Wilderness has plenty to offer.
The series shares several qualities with popular Harlan Coben adaptations, including apparently ordinary lives disrupted by shocking discoveries and relationships built on secrets.
However, its central focus on a marriage unraveling after betrayal gives the story a distinctive psychological edge.
Rather than relying solely on a traditional criminal investigation, the suspense emerges from Liv’s emotional response to her husband’s affair and the uncertainty surrounding what she might do next.
The six-episode format keeps the story compact while allowing its characters’ motivations and relationships to become increasingly complex.
The drama has also received positive audience reactions, with viewers describing the series as atmospheric, very enjoyable and worth watching.
Coleman’s performance has been particularly praised, while the unpredictable storyline has made the show appealing to those who enjoy dark domestic thrillers.
Where to Watch Wilderness
For anyone searching for a psychological mystery that can be completed over a weekend, Wilderness offers a combination of suspense, emotional drama and unexpected twists.
Its beautiful American landscapes provide a striking setting for a story about love, betrayal and the dangerous consequences of revenge.
With Jenna Coleman and Oliver Jackson-Cohen leading the cast, the six-part drama turns a seemingly perfect relationship into a deeply unsettling mystery.
All six episodes of Wilderness are available to stream on Prime Video.
