The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic TV series based on the video game of the same name. The show is developed by Craig Mazin, the creator of the critically acclaimed HBO series Chernobyl, and directed by Johan Renck, who also directed Chernobyl. The Last of Us is produced by Sony Pictures Television, and it premiered on HBO Max in 2023.
The show is set in the year 2033, twenty years after a fungal infection has decimated the population of the United States, turning infected humans into zombie-like creatures called "Clickers." The story follows Joel, a hardened survivor, and Ellie, a fourteen-year-old girl who may hold the key to a cure for the infection. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey across a post-apocalyptic America, encountering other survivors and fighting for their lives against the infected and other dangers along the way.
The Last of Us has a lot to live up to, given the huge success of the video game upon which it is based. However, the show manages to capture the spirit of the game while also standing on its own as a great piece of television.
The first thing that stands out about The Last of Us is its incredible production values. The show has an extremely high budget, and it shows in every frame. The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful wide shots of the post-apocalyptic landscape and intense, claustrophobic close-ups during action scenes. The visual effects are also top-notch, with the infected looking truly terrifying and realistic. The sound design is also exceptional, with a haunting score and realistic sound effects that immerse the viewer in the world of the show.
Another strength of The Last of Us is its acting. Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones, The Mandalorian) plays Joel, and he brings a gruff, world-weary quality to the character that fits perfectly. He's a man who has seen too much and lost too much, and Pascal portrays that with depth and nuance. Bella Ramsey (Game of Thrones) plays Ellie, and she is equally impressive. She captures the character's mixture of toughness and vulnerability perfectly, and her chemistry with Pascal is a highlight of the show.
The supporting cast is also strong, with standout performances from Gabriel Luna (Terminator: Dark Fate) as a dangerous bandit leader and Nico Parker (Dumbo) as a young survivor Joel and Ellie encounter on their journey. The performances are all grounded and realistic, which is crucial in a show that deals with such heavy themes.
Speaking of heavy themes, The Last of Us is not a show for the faint of heart. It deals with themes of loss, trauma, and survival in a brutal world. The show doesn't shy away from the violence of the infected or the desperation of the survivors, which makes it all the more compelling. It's not an easy show to watch, but it's a rewarding one.
One of the strengths of the show is how it expands on the world of the game. The Last of Us game had a strong narrative, but it was limited in its scope due to its gameplay mechanics. The show is able to explore the world of the game in more detail, fleshing out the characters and the history of the outbreak. The show also introduces new characters and storylines that weren't in the game, which adds to the overall richness of the world.
That being said, the show does take some liberties with the source material. Some fans of the game may be disappointed by certain changes, but the show manages to stay true to the spirit of the game while also making its own mark. It's a delicate balance, but one that the show pulls off admirably.
