Is Yellowjackets Based on True Events? Discover Its Inspirations

The gripping psychological horror series Yellowjackets, which originally premiered on Showtime in November 2021, made its Netflix debut on October 2, 2024. This thrilling drama has captivated audiences, raising questions about its origins and whether its story is rooted in reality or entirely fictional. The narrative follows a talented high school girls’ soccer team whose journey to the national championship takes a horrifying turn when their plane crashes in the Canadian wilderness, leaving them stranded and forced to fight for survival.

As the series unfolds, viewers are introduced to the characters as they navigate the harrowing aftermath of the crash. Stranded in a remote wilderness, these young women must utilize their survival skills to endure the harsh environment, which includes foraging for food and hunting for sustenance. The show alternates between their traumatic experiences as teenagers and their current lives as adults, preparing for their 25-year high school reunion. The adult versions of Shauna (Melanie Lynskey), Taissa (Tawny Cypress), Nat (Juliette Lewis), and Misty (Christina Ricci) grapple with the lingering trauma from their past, which continues to impact their relationships and careers. Their desperate attempts to shield the truth of what occurred in the wilderness serve as a core theme throughout the series.

With Yellowjackets now available on Netflix, first-time viewers might be curious about the real-life inspirations behind the series and whether the harrowing experiences of the characters are based on actual events. While Yellowjackets is not directly based on a true story, it draws inspiration from various real-life events and fictional narratives, including the infamous Flight 571 disaster and William Golding’s iconic novel Lord of the Flies. Co-creator Ashley Lyle was inspired by a 2021 article discussing a potential remake of Lord of the Flies, written by William Golding in 1954. This novel depicts a group of boys stranded on a deserted island who initially strive to maintain order but eventually descend into chaos and savagery. Lyle noted that many comments on the article expressed skepticism that girls could exhibit such barbarism. One particular comment that stood out to her was, “What are they going to do? Collaborate to death?” This prompted Lyle to reflect on the complexities of female relationships and the darker sides that often go unnoticed. She remarked, “You were never a teenage girl, sir.”

In her high school experience, Lyle recalled an incident where a girl poisoned another’s food for amusement, emphasizing that solely portraying girls as harmonious doesn’t capture the complete picture of their dynamics. In Yellowjackets, she aimed to showcase the intricacies of female friendships, some of which she considered the most significant of her life. In a podcast interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lyle further elaborated on how Lord of the Flies explores the idea of socialization, stating, “Who is more socialized than women? As girls, you learn early on how to make people like you and what the social hierarchies are.”

Another substantial source of inspiration for Yellowjackets is the tragic event surrounding Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which crashed in the Andes mountains on October 13, 1972. The flight, en route from Montevideo, Uruguay, to Santiago, Chile, was carrying a group primarily made up of members of an amateur rugby team and their family and friends. The survivors faced extreme conditions, resorting to drastic measures to stay alive, including cannibalism. After 72 days stranded, only 16 of the 45 passengers survived. This incident was later depicted in the 2023 Netflix film Society of the Snow, which garnered an Oscar nomination. While the Yellowjackets characters face a similar ordeal, their survival duration in the wilderness is significantly longer, spanning two years. Society of the Snow involved participation from survivors and their families, with some making cameo appearances in the film. Notably, Fernando “Nando” Parrado, one of the most recognized survivors who trekked 38 miles to find help, is depicted in the film, highlighting the personal connections that the tragedy has created over the years.

In a March 2023 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lyle also acknowledged the character of Tony Soprano, portrayed by James Gandolfini in HBO’s The Sopranos, as another source of inspiration for Yellowjackets. She emphasized that although Tony Soprano is depicted as a monster, the depth of his character allows viewers to understand him on a more profound level. Lyle articulated that the show aims to present characters with complex motivations rather than focusing solely on their likability. She stressed that the storytelling should never come across as shocking or sensational for mere entertainment value. With the first season of Yellowjackets now streaming on Netflix, it provides a captivating glimpse into the complexities of survival, trauma, and the intricacies of female relationships. For those intrigued by the show’s inspirations, the blend of real-life events and literary influences adds a rich layer to its storytelling. The second season of Yellowjackets is available for streaming on Paramount+.