Critics have been left divided by the second season of cult-hit Yellowjackets – with some questioning if the ‘novelty has worn off’ from the thrilling cannibalistic series.
The show tells the story of a high school girls’ soccer team who get stranded in the woods after a plane crash 25 years ago – leading to cult activity and cannibalism.
Meanwhile, a quarter-century later, the adult versions of the girls are seen struggling to move on with their lives, all while the mysteries of the past continue to unravel.
The Showtime thriller series, which has earned strong ratings and rapturous critical praise since debuting in 2021, stars actresses Christina Ricci, Juliette Lewis and Melanie Lynskey who all turned out in force for the premiere this week.
The program was an immediate hit with both viewers and critics, and its first season currently holds a 100 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics have been left divided by the second season of cult-hit Yellowjackets – with some questioning if the ‘novelty has worn off’ from the thrilling cannibalistic series
Several of the series’ cast and crew members were nominated for and won various awards for their work on the project.
The show was renewed for a second season in December of 2021, and it was confirmed that it would be returning for a third last December.
However many reviewers confessed they had mixed comments to make on the TV show – with some calling it ‘terrific yet traumatic.’
Meanwhile others gave it a weaker rating, branding the format of the show ‘annoying.’
Here’s a taste of what the critics have to say…
THE TELEGRAPH
Rating: 
Anita Singh writes: ‘The novelty of Yellowjackets has worn off for me – the parallel timelines have become a little annoying, as has Ricci’s sociopathic busybody of a character.
‘In that American more-is-more way, the writers are planning three further series.
‘But the show has an army of devoted fans who gather online to share theories and sift through clues about the various mysteries.
‘If you’re one of them, I’m sure this series won’t disappoint.’
THE INDEPENDENT
Rating:
Nick Hilton writes: ‘Fine work by Lysnkey and Lewis, particularly, will always elevate Yellowjackets from much of the televisual pack, but there’s no doubting that this return to its dog-eat-dog world represents a loss of momentum.
‘Pulpy and playful, it has a lot going for it, but viewers will find it hard to remain invested in a survival drama that seems to be playing for time. A parable of our times, sure, but an increasingly second-rate adventure.’
NME
Rating: 
Nick Levine writes: ‘Because Yellowjackets essentially has two large ensemble casts — the ’90s teens and the present-day adults — this second season is a bit bewildering to begin with, especially if you watched season one a while ago…
‘By the time episode one ends with Tori Amos’ alt-rock banger ‘Cornflake Girl’, you’ll be ready to surrender to Yellowjackets all over again.’
THE GUARDIAN
Rating: 
Leila Latif writes: ‘Rather than making the show incomprehensible, this season improves upon the first by keeping the audience perpetually on its toes, allowing for jump scares, body horror and some wonderfully imaginative twists…
‘One thing that feels assured is Yellowjackets will continue to clear the high bar it sets for itself and be about way more than just “trauma”.’
THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
Daniel Fienberg writes: ‘It remains a show in which the gap between the storylines and characters I like and the ones I find tedious is significant…
‘In the second season, the wilderness side of the story has consistently been the one I’ve found most satisfying, delivering the most reliable jaw-on-the-floor moments, including one long-anticipated development that I found particularly delicious. It’s scary, disturbing and ridiculous, in a good way.’
BUZZFEED NEWS
Krutika Mallikarjuna writes: ‘The devolution of these womens’ well-adjusted facades will undoubtedly garner more Emmy nods.
‘But it means our main players are separated for the first half of the season. Thus Season 2 feels slower and more disjointed as the main four slowly work their way back together, eventually united by a new cause.’
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