Mystery Drama Yaga to Premiere on AMC+ in October

A new mystery drama is set to premiere on AMC+ in October, hailing from Canadian streaming service Crave and shot on Vancouver Island. The series, titled Yaga, has a distinctly eerie atmosphere thanks to its misty, wet setting - a common occurrence on the island during winter months.

Kat Sandler, a Toronto-based playwright, adapted the show from her 2019 play of the same name and serves as its showrunner. Sandler's experience in crafting a compelling narrative is evident in Yaga's intricate plot, which delves into the mysterious disappearance of college student Henry.

The story begins with Carson, a local detective played by Clark Backo, investigating Henry's vanishing act. As he digs deeper, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems - including the involvement of Henry's wealthy parents and their decision to hire private investigator Rapp.

Rapp, portrayed by Noah Reid, teams up with Carson to uncover evidence surrounding Henry's disappearance. Their investigation leads them through the small coastal town of Whittock, where they encounter a cast of intriguing characters, including Henry's osteology professor Katherine, played by Carrie-Anne Moss.

The production team has set up shop at St. Michaels University School, a prestigious boarding school on the southern tip of an island, just a short drive from Victoria. The school's exterior is shrouded in vines, covering nearly every inch of its brick façade. Meanwhile, Carrie-Anne Moss can be seen peering out of a window on the top floor.

Back at the producer's tent, I'm observing the cast and crew as they prepare for yet another take of a scene from the second episode. Reid and Backo are descending the steps outside the school's central entrance, their characters locked in a moment that requires perfect timing. The atmosphere is tense but focused, with everyone working towards capturing the right shot.

As I watch, Reid attempts various versions of a sly wink directed at Katherine, played by Moss. It's clear that this scene is crucial to the episode's narrative, and the cast and crew are determined to get it just right. The tension is palpable as the take wraps up, with everyone holding their breath in anticipation of the next attempt.

Producer Sandler takes a break from her duties to chat with me about the project. She's clearly passionate about Yaga, and sees it as an opportunity for Canadian talent to push boundaries and take risks in storytelling. We don't get to do stuff like this in Canada that often, she says, "that takes risks, that pushes the envelope and is willing to not sit in comfort."

The series takes a modern feminist approach to reimagining the mythology surrounding Yaga, a character whose interpretations have been shaped by countless retellings over the years.

The show's narrative is marked by uncertainty, leaving room for exploration and debate about the nature of this enigmatic figure - is she evil, or does she possess a more complex personality?

A key aspect of the storytelling is the way it redefines what it means to be a "wicked old witch, allowing for a nuanced portrayal that challenges traditional notions.

The show's tone is deliberately provocative, balancing elements of horror and sensuality to create a unique viewing experience.

As Sandler notes, the series aims to push boundaries and defy comfort zones, much like its protagonist.

The cast and crew of Yaga are known for taking on unconventional roles, but one actor's experience stands out from the rest. Phoebe Moss, who plays Henry's professor with a special interest in bones, has been immersed in her character's world since day one. To prepare for the role, Moss had gray streaks added to her hair, giving her an eerily academic look.

On set, Moss is known for bringing a touch of magic to her work. She has been passing out tinctures of peppermint oil to the crew and cast, fueling rumors that she's a witch in real life. When asked about these whispers, Moss remains tight-lipped but does share a fascinating coincidence. Just before receiving the script, Moss had been reading about the myth of Baba Yaga, which she sees as a curious convergence of fate.

As an executive producer and actress, Moss has been hands-on with every aspect of the series. With just 32 days to shoot eight half-hour episodes, the pace has been breakneck. Despite the challenges, Moss describes the experience as thrilling and is eager to see how the show will be received by audiences.

The world of Yaga is one of mystery and intrigue, where nothing is quite as it seems. This sense of uncertainty is reflected in the script, which raises more questions than answers about the characters' relationships. Are Logan and Henry brothers? Or are they just weirdly look-alike roommates? The ambiguity is deliberate, adding to the show's sense of tension and suspense.

The series' willingness to push boundaries and defy comfort zones has been a driving force behind its creation. As Moss notes, paying attention to signs and coincidences can be a powerful way to tap into one's creative potential. For her, the experience of working on Yaga has been a unique opportunity to explore the unknown and tap into her own sense of wonder.

Victoria holds a special place in Moss's heart, as it was a city she visited every summer to spend time with her aunt when she was a child. This nostalgia is now being revisited as she returns to the city for her role in Yaga.

Her character, Katherine, presents a darker and more ambiguous persona than what audiences are used to seeing from Moss. The complexity of this role will likely keep viewers engaged and questioning throughout the series.

The show's familiar piecemeal interrogation structure is reminiscent of other popular series such as Mare of Easttown and True Detective. This format allows for a slow-burning build-up of tension, keeping viewers invested in the mystery unfolding on screen.

Reid's return to Yaga has been a long time coming, after being originally cast in the play that inspired the series but having to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts. He had promised Moss he would make it up to her someday, and now he is finally fulfilling that promise.

The cast and crew of Yaga are passionate about their project, and it shows in every aspect of its production.

On set, the energy is palpable as they bring to life a spooky series that's pushing boundaries and defying conventions. The team has created something special in a short amount of time, thanks in large part to executive producer Mackenzie Donaldson's drive to make it happen.

This project is more than just another TV show - it's a labor of love born from a sense of community and shared vision. As one person involved notes, It feels like our generation is pushing the boundaries" in terms of storytelling and representation.

The future of Yaga remains uncertain, but if renewed, the series could take inspiration from The White Lotus as a model for subsequent seasons.