Netflix’s Untamed has made a strong impression with its haunting mystery-thriller set against the breathtaking yet brutal wilderness of Yosemite National Park. While Eric Bana commands the screen as Kyle Turner—a special agent tasked with enforcing human law in nature’s domain—it’s Ezra Franky’s portrayal of Lucy Cook that steals many scenes, offering a layered, unforgettable performance as a woman shaped by trauma and hardened by survival. 

A Character Forged by Nature and Pain 

Lucy Cook is no ordinary character; she’s a force of nature herself. Having lived alone in the park for nearly a decade, Lucy is more than a survivalist—she’s a guardian of the wild, fiercely independent and deeply wounded. Ezra describes her as “such a badass,” balancing “a hard exterior with a warm inner spirit,” a duality that made the role challenging and rewarding. 

To truly inhabit Lucy, Ezra committed to an intense physical and emotional preparation. She spent extensive time in natural settings, both on location and off, learning to move like someone who knows every tree, creek, and shadow intimately. “I had to become comfortable in the wilderness, almost like it was a part of me,” she shares. The authenticity shines through in every scene, whether Lucy is stealthily moving through the forest or confronting the dark secrets lurking in both the park and her past. 

The Power of Connection: Working With Eric Bana and the Cast 

Sharing the screen with a veteran like Eric Bana was a formative experience for Ezra. She recalls his professionalism and warmth, especially during emotionally vulnerable moments. “Eric and the crew created a safe space for me to bring Lucy’s complexity to life,” she says. This supportive environment allowed Ezra to explore the nuances of a character caught between resilience and vulnerability, independence and isolation. 

Deep Roots: Heritage and Representation 

Ezra Franky’s own story enriches her portrayal of Lucy. Born and raised in Lethbridge, Alberta, Ezra is a proud member of the Ulkatcho First Nation with ancestral ties to the Chilcotin (Tsilhqot’in) region of British Columbia. This Indigenous heritage informs her deep connection to the land and the spirit of survival. 

“Lucy’s journey brought me closer to my culture,” Ezra explains. “I found myself seeking connection to my ancestors to stay grounded while telling her story.” Her natural red hair—a rare sight in Indigenous representation—became a meaningful element woven into Lucy’s character by the creative team, a small but powerful gesture of authenticity and visibility. 

Representation in media remains a critical issue, and Ezra embraces the opportunity to show Indigenous strength and resilience through her role. “Growing up, I rarely saw anyone who looked like me on screen,” she says. “To bring that presence to Untamed feels special, and I hope it resonates with audiences.” 

Artist Beyond Acting: Filmmaker, Musician, Storyteller 

Ezra’s artistry stretches far beyond acting. She is a filmmaker and editor active in the indie scene, recently writing, producing, and starring in the short film Kanagawa, a project that accompanies her debut single of the same name. Her album acoustish delves into themes of self-identity, love, grief, and spiritual growth—a soundtrack of personal evolution. 

Balancing a high-profile Netflix production with her indie music career might seem daunting, but Ezra finds the two worlds deeply complementary. “Filming Untamed inspired my songwriting, and playing music helped me decompress and process the emotional intensity of the series,” she reflects. Her creative process thrives on this dynamic tension, pushing her to explore the details and emotions that often go unsaid. 

Behind the Scenes: Ezra’s Take on Untamed 

  • Favorite discovery on set? “I found out how much I love doing my own stunts—whenever they let me, I was all in. It made me feel more connected to Lucy’s physicality.” 
     
  • Most surprising moment? “Seeing myself as a corpse during filming was surreal and challenged my ideas about mortality and presence.” 
     
  • Current soundtrack obsession? “Songs from the Sunroom by Field Medic—I’m deep into folk right now.” 
     
  • Lucy Cook’s playlist? “’Ain’t No Reason’ by Brett Dennen, ’Ooh La La’ by Faces, and ’Yellow’ by Coldplay—songs that capture her spirit.” 
     
  • Dream collaborator? “Greta Gerwig—her storytelling is inspiring, and I’d love to work with her someday.” 
     

With Untamed now streaming worldwide, Ezra Franky is emerging as a fresh, authentic voice in Indigenous storytelling, bringing depth, grit, and soul to a character that embodies the wilderness itself. Her powerful performance invites viewers to confront the wilderness outside—and the wildness within. 

Photography Credit: Sukh Sohi