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Since the premiere of Yellowjackets, the identity of the Antler Queen has intrigued viewers. This enigmatic figure is depicted seated, adorned with a stunning costume that includes antlers and a veil obscuring her face. Questions surrounding her identity—whether she is one of the young women stranded in the wilderness, an entirely different character, or even a supernatural being—have fueled fan speculation.
Fans are also curious about her significance as a queen and her involvement in the harrowing events experienced by the young women during their 19-month ordeal. In the climactic finale of Season 3, titled “Full Circle,” her true identity is unveiled, challenging expectations while providing a logical resolution to the long-standing mystery.
The History of the Antler Queen in ‘Yellowjackets’
The Antler Queen, though nameless, has been referred to by fans since her initial appearance. She is first seen in the series’ pilot episode engaged in a cannibalistic ritual alongside the other characters.
When Lottie (Courtney Eaton) was spotted wearing a headpiece akin to the Antler Queen’s, viewers speculated a connection between the two. Lottie exhibited an affinity for the wilderness and often suggested that the group must sacrifice to appease it, signaling a dominant presence as she endeavored to keep them alive.
Initially, Lottie held a leadership position, hinting at the emergence of the Antler Queen identity. However, she ultimately ceded this power to Natalie (Sophie Thatcher), whose skills as a hunter and leader positioned her as a strong candidate for the role. Her continued near-death experiences seemed to indicate a special fate, especially after a significant moment where Javi (Luciano Leroux) drowned instead of her.
Throughout the winter into subsequent seasons, Natalie maintained her authority while the group reconstructed their living conditions after a fire destroyed their cabin. During a moment of reckoning when Coach Ben (Steven Krueger) was captured, Natalie donned the antlers and assumed her role as leader, reinforcing their symbolic authority.
However, Natalie’s position crumbled when the group felt she had betrayed them by hiding Ben’s whereabouts. Following a controversial decision to end Ben’s life, Lottie instated Shauna (Sophie Nelisse) as the new queen. Shauna’s first declaration as queen was chilling: she ordered the group to feast on Ben’s remains that very night. This marked a significant upheaval in their power dynamics.
Who Is the Antler Queen in ‘Yellowjackets’?
In a monumental turn during the finale of Yellowjackets Season 3, Shauna is confirmed as the Antler Queen. This revelation aligns intriguingly with past events, especially when adult Natalie (Juliette Lewis) recalls a vision of the Antler Queen while grappling with her past during an overdose. Their fraught relationship adds layers to the haunting visions Natalie experiences, suggesting a deep-seated psychological connection tied to Shauna’s crowning as queen.
Shauna’s ascension symbolizes a departure from the other women’s fears, reflecting her transformation into a figure of power. This is highlighted when Mari’s fate is sealed, and the group votes during a ritualistic selection process. The intertwining fates of the characters lead to manipulation and selfish decisions that drive the plot forward.
In a brutal scene, Mari meets her end in a pit, which marks a significant plot point. As grief clogs the air, Shauna commands the group to prepare for a feast, fully embracing her newfound role as the Antler Queen. This sequence of events leads to a pivotal moment in the series, emphasizing how power dynamics shift radically among the group.
The Antler Queen Could Be More Than Just Shauna
Although the latest revelation establishes Shauna as the Antler Queen, the character may transcend mere identity, serving as a metaphor for the collective trauma and survival instincts within the group. Simone Kessell, who portrays adult Lottie, shared her insights, noting that the Antler Queen embodies facets of all the women, emanating as a survival mechanism throughout their struggle.
Shauna’s actions, however, reveal that her connection to this identity extends beyond mere survival; it encompasses themes of domination and a longing for agency. Living in the wilderness unlocked a sense of empowerment and authenticity that she has found increasingly elusive post-rescue. Following her return to everyday life, Shauna feels disconnected from the vitality she once experienced, leading to her primal outbursts and cravings for that energetic existence.
In her private reflections, Shauna acknowledges how she flourished during her time in the wilderness, expressing the desire to reclaim the empowerment that comes with her past identity. The series continues to delve into the intricate psychological landscapes of its characters as they wrestle with both their pasts and present.
Stream Yellowjackets now on Paramount+ with Showtime.
Source
movieweb.com