TIFF 2026: ‘YAGA’ Episodes 1-2 Crafts An Exciting Mystery That Will Leave You Hanging

Created by Kat Sandler, YAGA Episodes 1-2 set the scene for a fascinating mystery, using the allure of the titular Yaga as a stepping stone steeped in the supernatural that proudly displays the teeth of this Slavic folkloric icon.  Not that the Yaga needs help in that category, as the few remnants seen in these opening episodes are enough to show that whatever forces (human or otherwise) are at play are bent on seeing their will done. By the end of Episode 2, you’ll be begging for the release date to be moved up for more of this spellbinding venture.

Opening with a wry voiceover with a Slavic lilt, the evocative image of the forests of Vancouver Island as backdrop to a mysterious man on fire sets a dark tone and hints at the mystery ahead. Episode 1 introduces the investigators tasked with locating the missing heir, Henry Park (Hudson Williams), who is expected to have run off on one of his many little getaways. Private investigator Rapp (Noah Reid) is flown in from the mainland, and his presence greatly irritates local detective Carson (Clark Backo), who feels certain this is an open-and-shut case.

The friction between Rapp and Carson is quickly established, with Rapp’s more joking, flirtatious personality clashing with Carson’s by-the-book seriousness. It’s not helped that Rapp will literally strike up a conversation with any woman, and even with his best intentions, he just comes across a bit like a man whore. And, by the end of Episode 2, you’ll realize he is one, sowing his wild oats with the least challenging option in the vicinity.

The banter and friction between Noah Reid’s Rapp and Clark Backo’s Carson is kinetic.

Throughout their investigation in YAGA Episodes 1-2, the image of Henry Park slowly takes shape. The immediate introduction of his doppelganger, Logan (Williams in a dual role), muddies the waters and opens up the possibility of mistaken identities down the line. Rapp’s connection to the Parks adds another layer to the image of Henry, but by the end of Episode 2, the missing college student is still a bit of an enigma. 

Another enigma is the university professor, Katherine (Carrie-Anne Moss), whose affiliation with bones has earned her an unfortunate and sexually charged nickname. Moss imbues Katherine with understated sexuality: a woman who knows herself and can clock the ridiculousness of a man like Rapp a mile away. Yet, her age is used as a dismissive tool against her. Limiting a woman to just her age, as a baba, if you will, carries with it consequences. They just haven’t been explored yet, and Katherine may be the one we explore that with.

One thing YAGA Episodes 1-2 aren’t afraid to explore is sexuality, and the tidbits in these episodes are quite heated. And before anyone gets all up in arms over sex scenes and the like, what is delivered here gives us insight into character motivations and desires. From acts of service to a need to be in control as someone different from the self, the scenes are both sexy and in service to the story. So, cool your jets.

YAGA blends comedy, mystery, and the supernatural well, making for gripping TV.

Surprisingly, YAGA is funnier than one might expect. Noah Reid gets plenty to do here for laughs, with his Rapp delivering quip after quip. It not only builds the character as a generally easygoing, funny man, but also makes the more intense moments he experiences sink in harder. Similarly, and all too briefly, Sam Krochmal‘s Billy is very much cut from a comedic cloth, with his younger, wet-behind-the-ears police officer clearly in over his head and the butt of a couple of jokes. Clark balances Rapp’s sillier antics as the straight man.

While it’s not entirely clear how the Yaga plays into the overarching storyline, small remnants of her appear in these opening episodes. Mostly in the form of chickens, which, if you don’t like seeing animals harmed, you may want to fast-forward during those segments. A haunting manifestation emerges toward the end of Episode 2, along with what looks like a firebird (a figure with a significant connection to the Yaga), flying off into the sky before a mighty cliffhanger. These fun beats set up more spooky moments to come. 

YAGA Episodes 1-2 set the stage for what is shaping up to be an exciting supernatural procedural show. With the natural ambience of its setting, an electrifying cast of characters, and a deepening mystery, this series has so much going for it that it genuinely makes me excited to see what happens next. Just be careful: after the first episode, you will have “Boty proti lásce” stuck in your head for a while after the credits roll.

YAGA Episodes 1-2 world premiered at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. The series will premiere on AMC+ and Crave starting on