‘Yellowjackets’ Ending Explained: Season 2 Presents a Full-Circle Twist

The Yellowjackets season 2 finale features a full-circle moment for Natalie (played by Sophie Thatcher as a teen, Juliette Lewis as an adult). In the past, Natalie is trying to find her place among the group after Javi (Luciano Leroux) is sacrificed in her place. She is surprised—but pleased—when they crown her as the new leader.

In present-day, Lottie (Simone Kessell) wants to appease the wilderness by staging another hunt. The plan goes awry when Lisa (Nicole Maines) interrupts the sacrifice and points a gun at Natalie.

Misty (Christina Ricci) tries to sneak up on Lisa, so she can inject her with a fatal drug called phenobarbital. But Natalie shoves Lisa out of the way and takes the injection herself, ultimately dying.

In a haunting pre-death scene, Natalie is sitting by herself on the plane. She’s visited by Javi, her younger self and teen Lottie (Courtney Eaton).

The season 2 finale concludes with teen Shauna (Sophie Nélisse) waking up and realizing the cabin is on fire. After alerting the other girls, they escape and watch in terror as their “home” burns to the ground.

So, what does the ending mean? The underlying message is that Natalie feels at peace knowing she sacrificed herself for someone else, just like she was supposed to do 25 years ago. It seems that she never forgave herself for Javi’s death. And when she saw a sacrificial opportunity, she sealed her fate with a Final Destination-esque decision.

Her death will have a major impact on the adults, especially since they consider her their leader. Natalie served as a mediator because she understood Lottie in a way that no one else could. In her absence, Misty will probably emerge as the new Queen Bee. This new leadership position will likely lead to more sacrifices, unauthorized injections and Walter (Elijah Wood) cameos—oh my!

The fire seemingly symbolizes the chaos that will ensue in season 3. The cabin gave them a sense of normalcy, but now that it’s gone, there’s nothing stopping them from going full-blown Lord of the Flies. *Gulp*

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