If you grew up watching Canadian teen dramas, you basically know Olivia Scriven as the girl with the cello. She spent years as the face of the Degrassi franchise, playing the high-achieving, often-stressed Maya Matlin. But honestly, if you haven’t kept up with her since the Netflix era of the show ended, you’ve missed a pretty wild pivot into indie horror and gritty dramas.
Scriven isn’t that "teen star" archetype anymore. She hasn’t followed the typical Hallmark-to-Hollywood pipeline that a lot of her co-stars did. Instead, she’s carved out a niche in projects that feel a lot more "alt" and a lot less polished. It's a vibe.
The Degrassi Years and the Maya Matlin Legacy
Let’s be real. We have to talk about Degrassi. Scriven joined Degrassi: The Next Generation in 2012. She was just a kid, really. For five years, she played Maya through some of the show’s most intense storylines—depression, cyberbullying, the works. When the show moved to Netflix as Degrassi: Next Class, she stayed on as the anchor of the series.
Most people don't realize how much of her real life bled into that role. Scriven actually plays the cello and guitar. That wasn't just movie magic. She brought a level of musical authenticity that made Maya’s obsession with her craft feel grounded. But by the time the series wrapped in 2017, it was clear she was ready to shed that skin.
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Olivia Scriven Movies: A Pivot to the Dark Side
After the bright lights of a teen soap, Scriven’s film choices got a lot darker. And a lot more interesting.
Take Blood Quantum (2019), for example. It’s a Canadian indigenous horror film where the premise is that only Mi’kmaq people are immune to a zombie plague. Scriven plays Charlie, and the movie is a bloody, socio-political gut-punch. It’s lightyears away from the hallways of a fictional high school.
Then there’s Black Conflux (2019). This one is a slow-burn psychological drama set in 1980s Newfoundland. She plays Amber, a teen girl navigating a world that feels increasingly predatory. It’s moody. It’s atmospheric. It’s the kind of role that proves she has the range to handle heavy, adult themes without the "teen star" safety net.
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- Giant Little Ones (2018): She had a supporting role here as Deanne. The movie is a gorgeous coming-of-age story about sexuality that won a ton of critical acclaim.
- The Husband (2013): A much earlier, smaller role, but it showed her early interest in independent cinema.
- Skal: Fight for Survival (2023): This is a more recent addition to her filmography, a gritty sci-fi/action project where she plays Emma.
TV Projects Beyond the Degrassi Universe
While she’s famous for one specific show, her TV resume is actually quite varied. Early on, she was in a weirdly charming HBO Canada miniseries called The Yard. It was basically The Wire but with kids on a playground. She played Patti, and it remains one of those "if you know, you know" cult Canadian shows.
She’s also popped up in:
- Mrs. America (2020): A massive Hulu production about the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Seeing her in a high-budget period piece was a treat for long-term fans.
- Transplant: The hit medical drama where she made a guest appearance.
- Lost Girl: She had a small guest spot in the supernatural cult hit.
- Would You Kill for Me? The Mary Bailey Story (2023): A Lifetime movie that actually let her flex some serious dramatic muscles in a "true crime" style narrative.
The "Indie Sleaze" Aesthetic and Music
One thing you’ll notice if you follow her on social media is that she doesn't care about the "clean girl" aesthetic. She’s very much into the "indie sleaze" look—think film cameras, messy hair, and vintage clothes. This isn't just a style choice; it carries over into her music.
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She formed a band called Cute Whore with her Degrassi co-star and real-life best friend Lyle Lettau (who played Tristan). Their music is definitely not for kids. It’s electronic, experimental, and a bit provocative. Using the stage name Babe Laurent, Scriven has effectively distanced herself from the "wholesome girl next door" image that Maya Matlin projected for nearly a decade.
Where Can You Watch Her Now?
If you’re looking to catch up on Olivia Scriven movies and TV shows, it depends on what you’re into. Degrassi: Next Class is still on Netflix (though rumors say it might leave in mid-2026), and the original Next Generation seasons are mostly on Max or Prime Video depending on where you live.
For her film work, Blood Quantum is a must-watch on Shudder or AMC+. It’s arguably her best performance to date. Black Conflux is often available on various VOD platforms like Apple TV or Google Play.
Actionable Tips for Fans
If you're following her career, here’s how to stay updated without getting lost in the "Maya Matlin" nostalgia:
- Check out the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) archives: Many of her best films, like Giant Little Ones and Black Conflux, premiered there. They offer a better look at her talent than her TV work.
- Listen to the music: If you want to see her creative evolution, find "Cute Whore" on Spotify or YouTube. It’s a completely different side of her artistry.
- Support Canadian Indie Film: Scriven is a staple of the Canadian scene. Watching her films on legitimate streaming services helps ensure more of these mid-budget, high-concept movies get made.
Olivia Scriven has managed to do something very difficult: she survived being a teen icon and came out the other side as a respected, edgy artist. She’s not chasing the Marvel blockbuster. She’s chasing the interesting script. And honestly? That’s way more exciting to watch.