Melanie Lynskey, known for her roles in hit TV shows like “Two and a Half Men” and “Castle Rock,” has taken on a new and challenging role in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video series “Yellowjackets.” The show, which tells the story of a group of high school girls who survive a plane crash in the wilderness, has been generating buzz since its announcement. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Lynskey opened up about her character and the personal loss that informed her performance.
Lynskey plays the adult version of a character named Shauna, who is one of the survivors of the crash. Speaking about her character’s journey, Lynskey said, “There are so many layers to Shauna. She’s a woman who has suffered an enormous loss, and that loss has completely changed the course of her life.”
Lynskey revealed that her own personal loss informed her portrayal of Shauna. She said, “I lost my father a year and a half ago, and there are aspects of Shauna’s journey that really spoke to me on a personal level. It was a very cathartic experience to play her and to explore those emotions on screen.”
The New Zealand-born actress also spoke about the unique challenges of filming a show that involves both the past and the present. “We were constantly jumping back and forth between the ’90s and the present day,” she said. “It was really interesting to see how the characters had changed and how the events of the past still resonated with them in the present.”
“Yellowjackets” has been described as a mix of “Lost” and “Lord of the Flies,” and early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Lynskey’s powerful performance has been singled out for praise, and it’s clear that she put a lot of heart and soul into the role.
The series also stars Juliette Lewis, Christina Ricci, and Tawny Cypress. It’s set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video later this year.