When COVID-19 halted the filming of most movies and TV shows, online streaming platforms, such as Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and Showtime, expanded in popularity immensely.  Showtime’s newest project, a horror/drama series titled Yellowjackets, wass an immediate hit.

Creatively and executively produced by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson in Vancouver, Canada, the ten-episode, one-season show, was picked up by Showtime back in 2019.

As described by Showtime (to who), Yellowjackets is the story of a complicated, but talented girls’ high school soccer team, who “become the (un)lucky survivors of a plane crash deep in the remote northern wilderness.”  Drawing from aspects of Lord of the Flies and Lost, audiences watch as the girls break down from a group of teammates into savage clans.  The show follows both the lives of the girls directly after the plane crash, as well as their older selves, 25 years later.

“I love books and shows that consist of multiple storylines that take place at different times in characters’ lives so I’m really intrigued to watch this show and see how the producers tie the storylines together,” said senior Amy Baxter.

As the older versions of the plane crash survivors navigate a life filled with intense PTSD, the audience is presented with the “emotionally devastating” flashbacks of what led the girls down that path.  Yellowjackets’ (where was this interview given) creative team describes the show as really being “about trauma because it takes pain to resemble trauma, rather than providing footnotes to contemporary research on how it functions.”

Audiences can watch Yellowjackets on a variety of platforms, including Showtime, Hulu, and the Roku Channel.  Following its premiere on Nov. 14, 2021, the show received rave reviews, with critics from Rotten Tomatoes describing it as “gruesome, a fast and freaky ride, and a twisted treat with one of the strongest pilots ever made.”

“I have watched a lot of movies and TV shows during quarantine and I keep hearing great reviews about Yellowjackets.  It seems like a complex and intricate show that is very well put together,” said senior Sadie Mandel.

The show struck gold when casting the young girls and their older selves, with the main trio of actresses, featuring women who audiences fell in love with in the late ‘90s.  Christina Ricci plays Misty, with the younger version played by Sammi Hanratty, known for her role in Shameless.  Melanie Lynskey plays Shauna, with the younger version played by Sophie Nélisse, known for her acting in 47 Meters Down: Uncaged.  Juliette Lewis plays Natalie, with the younger version played by Sophie Thatcher, known for her work in Prospect.  Adding to this incredible ensemble of women is pilot director Karyn Kausma, famous for directing Jennifer’s Body. 

“Shameless is one of my favorite shows and I thought Jennifier’s Body was an amazing movie so I can’t wait to see the new project with these actresses and directors,” said senior Gabby Gitman. 

Thatcher mentions how the fact that “it has been mainly female directors is just empowering.”  Ricci adds, “we’re treated in a way that I would always love to see women treated.”  (who are these actresses giving these statements too)

Yellowjackets is a unique show with dark humor that has not only left a major impact on the actresses, but also will leave audiences buzzing about it as well.