Yellowjackets Season 3: Secrets, Rage, and Twisted Relationships Unveiled!

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[The following narrative includes plot details from the first three episodes of Yellowjackets season three, specifically “Them’s the Brakes.” Proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers.]

Sophie Nélisse has been warning the audience about Shauna in Yellowjackets season three.

In the drama series on Showtime, the actress portrays a teenager who has endured a harrowing succession of tragedies since a plane crash stranded her soccer team in an isolated wilderness at the start of season one. Since then, she’s unwittingly contributed to the death of her best friend Jackie (Ella Purnell), participated in a cannibalistic survival feast, and tragically lost the baby she was expecting during season two. In a fever dream, Shauna delivered her child but unfortunately, the newborn didn’t make it through the birth.

In the resumption of season three, Shauna finds herself in a wilderness setting, grieving and simmering with intense anger. In previews for the upcoming season, actress Nélisse has hinted that Shauna is “unbalanced,” and the initial scenes show her channeling her feelings through what the cast calls her anger diary. Nélisse shares with The Hollywood Reporter that Shauna’s storyline will lead to even greater isolation as the season progresses. Using words like “unhinged,” “cruel,” and “uncaring,” she emphasizes that the events of the first three episodes are just the start, promising more to come.

Following a tender kissing moment between Shauna and Melissa (Jenna Burgess) in the second episode, the show Yellowjackets delves deeper into their developing bond. The creators have been hesitant to label it a “romance” in previous conversations with THR, and Nélisse concurs. “I’m glad it wasn’t about Shauna’s coming out,” she states. “This is something that develops organically. Perhaps Shauna is bisexual, but this isn’t the primary focus of their storyline. However, their relationship is certainly complex and somewhat twisted.

In the current narrative of “Yellowjackets,” it’s suggested that adult Shauna (character portrayed by Melanie Lynskey) is being pursued by a mysterious figure, and there’s strong indication this could be Melissa. Nélisse hints that more revelations are on the way, potentially leading to feelings of regret and guilt for Shauna, as she may come to terms with the harm she caused during their wilderness ordeal.

She remarks, “That’s likely why they continue to be troubled by the wilderness even years later. It seems to me that they’re all in denial about their past experiences. I don’t believe any of them have truly come to terms with what transpired out there.

The third episode, helmed by co-showrunner Jonathan Lisco, concluded with an intense hallucination scene featuring Shauna, Van (played by Liv Hewson), and Akilah (Nia Sondaya). Their dreams intertwined into a collective nightmare. Lisco discussed the symbolism of shared dreaming from a cultural and neuroscientific perspective with THR, explaining how these visions exploited their deepest fears. He hinted that there is a form of psychological manipulation at play, suggesting that people feel compelled to participate in the dream to stay alive. Furthermore, he pointed out that the boundary between their real and imagined experiences is becoming increasingly indistinct.

In a chat with THR, Nelisse discusses her perspective on Shauna’s distressing dream about the child she lost and previews the exploration of Shauna’s darkness in season three. She also hints at theories surrounding Pit Girl and explains why she no longer queries the show’s makers about their decisions (” frankly, if I kept asking everything they wrote, it would never stop, so I just go along with it”). Furthermore, she offers a sneak peek into an upcoming heart-wrenching death that resulted in a grand cast funeral celebration.

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In the beginning of season three, it seems that the main change will be that you won’t be confined within a cabin. How did the arrival of spring and being out in the wilderness contribute to a more open and airy set design this season?

Absolutely! During the previous season, it was winter and we filmed primarily indoors. This created a unique atmosphere, making it seem as though we were all confined in a single space. It felt somewhat congested and oppressive, with everyone being quite close together. Personally, I find it wonderful that we’re shooting outside this year in Vancouver’s woods. The change of scenery is refreshing, and the location itself is stunningly beautiful. I appreciate nature, and it provides a more tranquil, less labor-intensive feel compared to having to bundle up and face the cold.

This current season is unusually chaotic yet exhilarating; we’re thriving on the intensity – we’ll outdo each other in the most exciting way possible, rather than it feeling monotonous. [I was concerned about] the prospect of consuming Shauna’s baby, I believe that went too far. Now we’re embracing a more playful and entertaining tone, but still maintaining the dark, suspenseful, and realistic aspects of it. The plot twists and surprises this season are numerous and unpredictable.

The third episode was helmed by our co-showrunner, Jonathan Lisco, and it seemed to be the most pronounced dive so far into the series’ wilderness mythos, with the dreamlike sequences at the end. How did you find filming those cave scenes?

Thankfully, I’m not afflicted with claustrophobia, as the space inside was quite cramped. The logistics were occasionally tricky because it was a one-way route, making it a case of “Action!” and none of the crew could fit in the caves. Our director, we couldn’t really see him; it was pitch black. All the tunnels were incredibly narrow. They managed to make it look extremely realistic, so I had to push myself through these narrow passages. Then it would be a shout of “Cut!”, and there we were, trying to squeeze ourselves back into our initial positions amidst a crowd of 15 people. The scene featuring Liv [Hewson], me, and Nia Sondaya was particularly chaotic. When the water suddenly flooded in, we couldn’t hear anything; it felt like we were confined in a very tight space. This chaotic environment helped enhance our performances by increasing our stress levels, causing us all to scream at each other. I’m continually impressed by our set decorations. I can hardly believe that someone painstakingly crafted those caves by hand.

Did Jonathan explain to you why your three characters were picked for this dream sequence?

To be frank, my character and Akilah’s were quite ambivalent about the wilderness. We belong to a group that isn’t fully convinced by Lottie’s beliefs, yet Van’s character seems to resonate with some aspects. I can’t really explain why. Frankly, if I delved into questioning every detail in the script, it would never end. So I simply roll with it. However, I enjoy those moments when we return from our shared experience (episode four). They were all visibly shaken and traumatized. But Shauna is particularly determined to hide her vulnerability, as if this ordeal might prove the existence of something greater beyond us. It’s intriguing to witness Shauna’s confidence and resilience being challenged for once.

This season, Shauna’s adventure in the wilderness appears to be a complex one, as she grapples with her trauma through anger, sorrow, and the heart-wrenching secret of excavating her deceased child. It seems that you are hinting that she might be gradually embracing the concept of a higher power?

I believe Shauna is exceptionally intelligent and I predict she’ll capitalize on this trait, primarily due to her ambition for power within the group. She recognizes that playing up her smarts could help her ascend to a leadership role, which has been her aspiration since Natalie [Sophie Thatcher] was crowned [the Antler Queen at the end of season two]. However, I don’t think she’ll internalize this belief as deeply as Lottie does.

In this episode as well, Adult Shauna (played by Melanie Lynskey) becomes visibly upset when Adult Lottie (Simone Kessell) gives her daughter Callie (Sarah Desjardins) the heart necklace. This is significant because it signals someone for a sacrifice to the wilderness. Since the show began, viewers have been analyzing the first scene featuring “Pit Girl” intensely. So, what are your theories regarding the cast members’ roles?

Just as passionate about the plot development as the fans have been, we’ve found ourselves deeply immersed. A lively group chat serves as our platform to exchange various Reddit reviews and discuss intriguing fan theories. These theories ranged from outlandish to captivating, making us speculate and ponder. We often found ourselves questioning, “Could it possibly be her?… Or could it be someone else?” Only to then dismiss the possibilities, “Well, she has a grown child, so it can’t be her.” The mystery deepened with each character donning the distinctive pink shoes, sparking our curiosity and causing us to wonder, “What does that symbolize?

As a gamer, I was quite taken aback when my game creators decided to delve deeper into the backstories of secondary characters like Melissa this season. Unraveling the intricate tale of Shauna and Melissa wasn’t something I had expected, but it sure has added an exciting new layer to the game world!

Initially, it seems to me that if a group of girls were in the wilderness, there might be more instances of romantic encounters. I found myself saying, “Is there just one love story here? That can’t be right!” Ever since the start, there’s been this ongoing discussion about Shauna and Jackie’s relationship. While I don’t believe their relationship is romantic in nature, I do think it has sparked a lot of questions, particularly about Shauna’s sexuality.

It was unexpected that the story was assigned to Shauna given her current overwhelming responsibilities and the possibility that she might not have the mental capacity to focus on others. However, it added an intriguing twist since she’s in a particularly difficult phase of life. She’s struggling with self-acceptance, feeling dissatisfied with her past actions. At this moment, she seems unworthy of love from others, perhaps what she desperately needs. Yet, I doubt she’s emotionally prepared to accept such kindness. Nevertheless, it creates a captivating contrast by someone appreciating her for who she is and cherishing her unique qualities.

Although it could have been a wonderful, open, and genuine relationship in another scenario, I believe the current situation between Shauna and Melissa is unfortunately distorted due to manipulation. At present, I suspect that Shauna desires love but is unable to reciprocate or accept it healthily, which may lead to an unhealthy dynamic rather than a flourishing one.

In the process of editing, Yellowjackets seems to suggest to viewers that Melissa may be the stalker tormenting Shauna in the current storyline. To what extent will we delve into their past relationship this season so as to grasp why it deteriorated?

As a gamer putting myself in Shauna’s shoes, let me tell you, things take a turn for the worse rather swiftly in this season. The narrative depth isn’t quite on par with Tai and Van’s bond, say, but it does an impressive job of isolating Shauna even further as the story unfolds. It also exposes the darker side of Shauna this season – her harshness, her lack of compassion. This cold-heartedness sets the stage for the remorse and guilt she’ll inevitably feel later on, given all the harm she’s caused and the people she’s hurt during her wilderness adventure. I can’t predict what the future seasons hold, but this season concludes by the end of it.

Returning to your initial vision, all three of them assemble at its conclusion. Despite Jasmin Savoy Brown’s character (Tai) not being dreaming, you observe Tai’s “no-eyed man”. Lottie and Jackie, who are back (signifying the return of departed actress Ella Purnell), are also present. Shauna appears uncertain about comprehending this vision in the upcoming episode. So, how do you understand what she witnessed?

The concept here is about how past actions and experiences can’t be easily forgotten or escaped, often returning as recurring dreams or memories. This idea seems to suggest that the wilderness serves as a reflection of one’s true self, highlighting unresolved issues from the past. The people in question appear to still be grappling with their past events, stuck in denial and unable to fully accept and make peace with what transpired. Until they confront these issues head-on, they will continue to be haunted by them, as symbolized by the recurring dreams and visions of Jackie. It seems that seeking professional help, such as a good therapist, might be beneficial for them in their journey towards healing and self-discovery.

Jackie makes her return for the current season. Was it enjoyable to work with Ella again, and since there were many of us involved in the dream sequence, did it seem like a small reunion while filming?

It’s incredibly enjoyable spending time with her, but each time she departs after a brief visit, I feel a pang of sadness. It’s a mix of emotions because I deeply miss having her around. Yet, we’ve grown accustomed to her returning. We jokingly say things like “You’ll be back” or “That’s fine,” trying to downplay our fear that she might not return. In reality, we’re all in denial about her passing. (Laughs) Her presence adds a strange twist to the scenes – they are unlike anything we had in the first season, filled with an unsettling creepiness and eerieness. Still, having her back, even if only for a short while, remains enjoyable.

Did we discuss the emotional filming experience of the delivery scene from the previous season? Can you share if any episodes in this current season have been just as difficult to shoot?

This year, Shauna’s scenes don’t seem to be as emotionally taxing as previous ones. Instead, we witness a different facet of her personality, a spectrum of colors that isn’t primarily sorrow or sadness, but rather raw anger and aggressive behavior towards others. It’s almost like she’s tapping into her true, harsh, and ruthless side, no longer bound by fear or regret. She’s become indifferent, ready to act out of spite, fury, and vengeance. The character has made a drastic shift this season, making her feel like a completely different person almost. As an actor, it’s exciting to navigate this new aspect of her.

Do you and Melanie Lynskey still discuss the development of the character Shauna during the different seasons? I remember that at first, you worked closely together to create her.

Frankly, it’s not necessary. She was wonderfully portrayed in the initial season, and we connected with her on multiple levels. Trying to reinvent her character could lead to unnecessary complexity and potentially detract from our natural interpretation of her. I find it straightforward because I’m well-acquainted with Shauna’s daily life; she, however, is constantly navigating the unknown. I believe it’s more challenging for her as she has to embody all the trauma and experiences that Shauna has gone through. When we communicate, it’s just a casual catch-up. We discuss her family and our own lives. We often cook together at her home and spend time there.

In interviews, your creators mentioned the farewell gatherings the cast has organized for characters who departed from the series. Is there a particularly memorable one that stands out to you, and could you give us a hint about how many such events we might see in the current season?

Our top pick for this period is quite unique. We accomplished something truly remarkable. We placed an unusual order for a cake, one that might have seemed bizarre to the baker – perhaps they thought it was the most peculiar request they’d ever received. So we procured a giant cake and visited Party City to gather various morbid decorations like tombstones. Essentially, we transformed the setting into a funeral scene; we put their face on small flyers that guests picked up upon arrival, which added an extra layer of surprise since the person was actually there. We created a collage of everyone’s photos with that individual and displayed it on a TV screen. The emotions ran high, and it was indeed a memorable moment.

Initially, I hadn’t realized it was their final scene, but when it turned out to be, I found myself utterly caught off guard. The emotions overwhelmed me so much that I cried profusely for about an hour straight. It was a deeply moving day, and yet, we couldn’t help but say, “Feel free to visit us again, any time!

The exact duration of this season is uncertain, but it’s clear that the creators have a long-term vision in mind [while waiting for a potential fourth season renewal]. Could you give us a hint about whether there will be any more significant time jumps, such as those to the rescue timeline?

For 18 months, we’ve been in the wilderness experiencing both summer and winter seasons, with a mix of each. By the time of our rescue, we were deep into the winter season. Hunting will continue to be necessary for survival, but it also implies potential conflict among us. The circumstances surrounding our rescue are uncertain: Will everyone choose to leave, or will some wish to stay behind? Who is coming to save us? There are numerous theories about this.

In a recent turn of events, you’ve been involved in independent films such as the high school horror “Whistle”. Could you share what other characters you’re considering for roles beyond Yellowjackets, and if you have an idea about how long you’d like to portray Shauna?

I’ll continue playing Shauna indefinitely as she offers such rich complexity and I’m thoroughly enjoying working with this character. However, I generally believe that most shows should conclude around five seasons, even the exceptional ones like Succession. It’s better to end on a high note rather than risk becoming ordinary. I’m drawn towards comedy, although I enjoy drama deeply. My sense of humor is quite prominent, and comedy requires a lot of improvisation and the courage to test jokes that might or might not succeed. This would push me out of my comfort zone. Given my athletic background in gymnastics, an action movie also seems appealing. I’m open to various opportunities. However, I don’t want to be confined to a specific genre. The excitement lies in the exploration, and that’s what I love about acting – the freedom to delve into everything.

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Currently, Yellowjackets is broadcasting the initial three episodes of its third season. Fresh installments will be available each Friday on Paramount+, while they will also air Sundays at 9 p.m. on Showtime. Make sure to keep up with THR’s season coverage and interviews as well.

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2025-02-25 22:56