A new Canadian streaming series, Yaga, blends horror and mystery as it explores the disappearance of a wealthy young man in a small fishing town while weaving in elements of folklore and feminist themes. The show, which premiered recently on Sky Atlantic and the Canadian platform Crave, follows detective Charlie Rapp as he investigates the case in Whittock, a quiet coastal community.
At the center of the narrative is Henry Park, the son of a prominent local family, whose whereabouts spark tension and uncover darker undercurrents in the town. Park is portrayed as a flawed character, known for his vanity, infidelity, and drug-fueled parties. The story uses his lifestyle as a backdrop for increasingly unsettling revelations, including signs of cult-like activity and supernatural undertones linked to the enigmatic figure of Baba Yaga.
Baba Yaga, based on Slavic folklore, is traditionally depicted as a forest-dwelling witch who lives in a hut on chicken’s feet and flies using a pestle and mortar. In this series, her presence is conveyed through a taunting voice that opens and closes each episode, leaving viewers uncertain whether she exists as a literal character or a symbolic embodiment of female rage against patriarchal oppression. This ambiguity underscores the show’s broader exploration of modern witchcraft as both a feminist icon and a source of cultural myth.
The cast features a mix of complex characters on both sides of the investigation. Charlie Rapp, while positioned as the protagonist, is characterized by questionable ethics and a casual approach to relationships, including flirtations with his police partner, Carson. Carson, played by Clark Backo, brings a grounded, skeptical perspective, exhibiting little enthusiasm for the case and expressing cynicism toward the affluent class it involves. Veteran actress Carrie-Anne Moss portrays an older academic with ambiguous motives, adding further depth to the story’s exploration of morality and power.
Yaga also incorporates thematic elements of eroticism and dark festivity. Scenes depicting underground parties emphasize masked balls, fetish wear, and decadent behavior typical of secretive social gatherings. However, these scenes are framed within a tone that challenges the male gaze and highlights unsettling motifs, such as imagery involving bones and haunting visions experienced by the detective. This interplay of sexuality and horror contributes to the show’s unique tone, merging playful elements with darker subject matter.
Created by playwright Kat Sandler, Yaga aims to balance genre conventions with contemporary social commentary. Its soundtrack features Ukrainian covers of popular songs, and its depiction of the town’s atmosphere evokes a mixture of eerie tension and sardonic humor. While the series teases the presence of the supernatural, the emphasis often lies on the symbolic nature of witchcraft and its connection to female empowerment rather than explicit magical phenomena.
As Yaga unfolds, viewers are left to ponder the extent to which folklore and reality intertwine, and whether the mythic witch at its heart will emerge beyond metaphor into the narrative’s physical realm.