Yellowjackets is an American survival horror drama television series created by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson. The series successfully cross-hatches several genres by combining influences from popular TV series like Lost, True Detective, and every teenage coming-of-age drama out there.
The premise of Yellowjackets is as follows - 25 years ago, a high school girls' soccer team was stranded for 18 months in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. The trauma of that experience lives on with them to the present day as the darkness becomes part of their everyday lives. Thus, the narrative of the series is divided between these two eras.
Season 1
The series opens with a very disturbing sequence which involves ritual killing, cannibalism, and satanic overtones. That scene sets the tone for the rest of the series as the audience is left trying to figure out how a group of 'innocent' teenage girls ended up in such a grisly and gruesome scenario. This tense atmosphere is a function of the excellent writing which engages and repulses at the same time.
The four surviving adult characters that the series spotlights, nurse Misty (Christina Ricci), homemaker Shauna (Melanie Lynskey), politician Taissa (Tawny Cypress), and drug addict Natalie (Charlotte Lewis), are interesting throughout, with the casting spot on and the dynamic performances all adding up to a tour-de-force TV series that has to be seen to be believed. Their teenage counterparts match these sterling performances - quite an achievement considering the challenging settings of the flashbacks. One gets the feeling - quite like Lost did - that Yellowjackets contains a massive story with genre twists and turns that will enthral and thrill.
Season 2
Season 2 picks up where Season 1 left off, delving deeper into the mysteries and darkness surrounding the Yellowjackets. In the present day, the adult survivors grapple with the repercussions of their traumatic past, their lives intertwined with secrets and a lingering evil. Lottie, the troubled teenager from the past, has grown into a cult leader, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
The flashbacks continue to unveil the harrowing events in the wilderness, showcasing the descent into cannibalism and the psychological toll it takes on the girls. The supernatural elements become more pronounced, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination. The show explores the characters' trauma and the lasting impact of their experiences, raising questions about the nature of evil and the consequences of survival.
As the season progresses, the tension escalates, and the mysteries deepen. The characters' past and present collide, leading to shocking revelations and unexpected alliances. The show keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the truth behind the Yellowjackets' haunting past.
Overall Impression
Yellowjackets is a must-watch for fans of horror, drama, and mystery. The series is well-written, well-acted, and visually stunning. The first two seasons have been a wild ride, and I can't wait to see what Season 3 has in store. Highly recommended!