“When you find yourself lost in the darkness, seek out the guiding light.” This powerful message reverberates throughout the entire The Last of Us Series, representing the search for hope in an otherwise bleak and desolate world. And let’s face it, many video game adaptations often lack the life and authenticity of the original material, existing solely to capitalize on its popularity and often disappointing fans in the process. However, HBO’s new post-apocalyptic drama is a refreshing departure from that trend. Not only does it honor the masterful work of Neil Druckmann, the creator of the original game, but it is also enhanced by filmmaker Craig Mazin’s touch, known for his exceptional work on Chernobyl. The result is an emotionally-charged and captivating story that appeals to both dedicated fans and newcomers.

I know it may sound cliché, but The Last of Us truly shines as a rare beacon of light amidst the sea of lackluster adaptations. To be fair, the HBO series had a solid foundation to build upon, as the source material was already crafted like an interactive movie. Much of the groundwork was already laid, and the show stays true to it by incorporating familiar dialogues that fans can anticipate before the actors even utter a word. However, what sets this series apart from other zombie-centric media is its focus on the human aspect. While the overarching dystopian theme is present, with its violence and bandits, at its core, The Last of Us is a story about two central characters – Joel and Ellie.

Pedro Pascal brings Joel to life, portraying a weathered survivor still grappling with the loss of his daughter two decades ago. Time has been unkind to him, leading him to take risks while living in a totalitarian quarantine zone alongside Tess, played by Anna Torv. Without revealing too much, Joel’s path crosses with Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey, a young girl whom he is entrusted to escort to the base of the Fireflies, a rebel group. This unlikely relationship forms the heart of The Last of Us, but it is presented with a poignant sense that never veers into overly sentimental territory. The interactions between Joel and Ellie stem from their contrasting experiences of pain. Joel carries the weight of a world he knows too well – its people, the betrayals, and memories from a time before the Cordyceps fungal outbreak transformed everything. Conversely, Ellie was raised in a military compound, lacking family and trusting no one. The loss of loved ones is what binds these characters together, and the narrative beautifully builds upon that foundation, slowly bringing them together in a pseudo father-daughter relationship. The on-screen chemistry between the actors is simply incredible.

While the core concept remains intact, The Last of Us series takes some narrative risks that I found to be its strongest points. The first two episodes feature a cold open prologue, reminiscent of the HBO series Euphoria, which serves as a way to establish the world and jump between timelines to provide a backstory for the events that unfold. A ’60s talk show between scientists may not seem like the most fitting introduction for a TV series about zombies, or as they are referred to in the show, “The Infected.” However, this choice highlights the ignorant decisions that led to the catastrophic outbreak without spoon-feeding the viewers with exposition. Episode 2 continues this trend by taking us to Jakarta, Indonesia, two days before the global outbreak, offering an origin story and a glimpse at the first infected individual. Although the stylistic departure may initially feel jarring, it effectively conveys the immediate aftermath of the outbreak through radio news reports and visually showcases the oppressive regime in control. The series trusts its audience to pick up on these details, while devoting its focus to the evolving relationship between two individuals who initially dislike each other.

The Last of Us unfolds like a buddy road trip, where captivating characters come and go, leaving a lasting impression. Unlike the video game, where players have direct control over Joel and Ellie, the show takes the opportunity to explore side stories in greater depth. We spend more time with Joel’s daughter, Sarah, played by Nico Parker, getting a glimpse into her routine and the deep bond she shares with her father. This only serves to heighten the impact of her tragic death, magnified by Parker’s remarkable performance as she delivers a heart-wrenching farewell. Similarly, the characters of Henry and Sam, played by Lamar Johnson and Keivonn Woodard, respectively, receive expanded storylines that delve into their struggles, particularly during their time in Kansas City, where they hide from a rebellious gang. By fleshing out the motivations of each party, the show transforms into a revenge narrative that also tests the brothers’ bond, providing a stark contrast to Joel’s relationship with his estranged brother Tommy, portrayed by Gabriel Luna. Making the character of Sam deaf adds an additional layer of depth, relying on Henry even more and emphasizing his brother’s sense of responsibility.

The Last of Us series masterfully incorporates HBO’s signature handheld filming technique, plunging viewers into the heart of each moment with subtle camera movements that intensify as the scene unfolds. Every frame feels organic and observational, reminiscent of the style seen in Succession. Imperfections are allowed to exist, as the characters shape the pace, direction, and tone of the show. The emphasis is on capturing scenes and lighting them perfectly rather than merely composing visually pleasing shots. From sprawling fields converging on a tragic plane crash site to dilapidated buildings swallowed by vines, and the iconic sequence where Ellie walks across a ladder, each scene is approached with the same level of authenticity. This extends to the depiction of eerie walls covered in decaying fungi and the menacing clickers. Rather than resorting to clichéd close-ups, the camera sits back and captures the raw emotion, at times subtly swaying to mirror the movements of a real-life conversation.

While The Last of Us series may omit certain action sequences from the game, such as the climactic collapse of towers, it compensates by delving deeper into the narrative aspect. The buildings make brief appearances, serving as subtle nods to fans of the game. Episode 3, titled “Long, Long Time,” stands out as tonally unique and personally my favorite of the series. It weaves Bill and Frank’s story into a beautiful romance, showcasing the possibility of hope existing in this bleak world. Nick Offerman portrays Bill, a loner who spends most of his time secluded in his basement, while Murray Bartlett portrays Frank, a stranger who disrupts Bill’s solitary routine. Frank’s presence encourages Bill to open up and embrace his sexuality. As time progresses, the abandoned neighborhood blossoms with life and color, filled with flowers, paintings, a boutique, a strawberry garden, and a true sense of home. Director Mazin expertly paces this episode, seamlessly transitioning through time and ultimately delivering an emotional climax that leaves a lasting impression. Although the story ends tragically, it does so in the purest and most heartwarming way imaginable, reminiscent of a modern-day Romeo and Juliet tale.

This thematic exploration of finding light in the darkest of times is what sets the characters of The Last of Us apart… [The text ends here.]

 

Reference

Denial of responsibility! TechCodex is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.