Hudson Williams may be riding high after the success of Heated Rivalry, but his latest project is facing a much less enthusiastic reception. The Canadian supernatural thriller Yaga has drawn a harsh review from Variety, with critic Alison Herman arguing that the series struggles to deliver the erotic tension, compelling characters, and emotional insight that helped make the hockey romance a hit.

Streaming on AMC+ in the United States, Yaga combines a missing-person mystery with a modern reimagining of the Slavic folklore figure Baba Yaga. However, according to Herman’s review, the eight-episode series struggles to make its different elements work together, leaving its supernatural atmosphere at odds with awkward dialogue and increasingly outlandish plot developments.

Hudson Williams’ Double Role Takes a Dark Turn

Williams plays Henry Park, a billionaire heir whose disappearance prompts his wealthy parents to send family fixer Rapp, played by Noah Reid, to investigate his whereabouts in rural British Columbia.

As Rapp begins searching for Henry, he uncovers a complicated web involving the missing heir, his lookalike roommate Logan, and their university professor Katherine, portrayed by Carrie-Anne Moss. An anthropologist known as the bone lady because of her academic interest in human remains, Katherine quickly becomes an important figure in the mystery.

Williams plays both Henry and Logan, with the characters distinguished partly through changes in appearance. Their unusually close relationship and involvement in secretive gatherings gradually lead the investigation into darker territory.

The series attempts to combine supernatural horror, sexual intrigue, and a small-town mystery. Yet Herman argues that its provocative details often feel more juvenile than genuinely unsettling, with the story escalating into increasingly extreme territory without building enough suspense along the way.

Why Critics Say Yaga Cannot Recreate Heated Rivalry’s Appeal

The comparison with Heated Rivalry is difficult to avoid. Williams gained widespread attention through the hit romance, which connected with audiences through its central relationship and exploration of sexuality.

But Herman argues that Yaga tries too hard to reproduce that sense of erotic intensity. Instead of creating convincing chemistry between its characters, the series frequently relies on awkward attempts at seduction and sensational storylines.

Reid’s portrayal of Rapp also receives criticism. Herman describes the character as an overconfident loudmouth whose apparent appeal to the women around him is difficult to understand. Carrie-Anne Moss, meanwhile, is singled out as one of the few cast members who successfully captures the earthy, seductive atmosphere the show appears to be aiming for.

The review also points to a tonal problem. The misty waters and shadowy forests of rural British Columbia provide a promising backdrop for supernatural horror, but the dialogue between Rapp and local police officer Carson, played by Clark Backo, often leans toward crude jokes and buddy-cop banter.

According to Herman, these elements clash rather than build toward the eerie, metaphysical atmosphere the series needs.

A Familiar Witch Story Fails to Make a Strong Impression

At the heart of Yaga is an attempt to reinterpret Baba Yaga, the legendary witch associated with cannibalism and a hut standing on chicken legs. Creator Kat Sandler adapted the series from her own play, using the folklore figure to explore society’s treatment of women and outsiders.

However, Herman argues that the show’s feminist themes feel overly simplistic, relying on familiar ideas about witches being feared because society considers them different. The review suggests that earlier works, including The Witch and American Horror Story: Coven, explored similar territory with greater sophistication.

The series also introduces wealthy characters, secretive parties, bisexual relationships, and disturbing rituals in an apparent effort to shock viewers. But the increasingly sensational revelations fail to generate the intended suspense, according to the critic.

By the time the mystery begins to reveal its shifting power dynamics, Herman argues, the storytelling has already lost much of its impact. The scripts introduce information too quickly, while Rapp’s transition from skepticism to belief feels insufficiently developed.

For viewers hoping to see Williams follow Heated Rivalry with another breakout hit, the early critical response to Yaga is a disappointment. The series has an intriguing premise and atmospheric setting, but Variety’s verdict suggests that neither its supernatural mythology nor its provocative material is enough to overcome its storytelling problems.

The first two episodes of Yaga are streaming on AMC+ in the United States, with additional episodes released weekly on Fridays.

Source: Compiled from various sources.