By Misty Barron
Hollywood has a dismal history when bringing video games to life. Many have fallen short in capturing the essence of an original story or ignored its source all together. So, when HBO announced its plans to turn one of gamers’ most beloved games into a series, fans were skeptical. Thankfully, “The Last of US” has proven to be a triumph of adaptation, capturing the heart and soul of the original game’s story and delving even deeper into its horrific world.
In its faithful retelling, the first episode follows the game almost step-by-step. Main character, Joel, is introduced as he contends with the first moments of a strange outbreak that quickly turns into a zombie-like apocalypse.
But the monsters in “The Last of Us” are not typical zombies. They are “the infected,” people ravaged by the Cordyceps fungus, which takes over the bodies and minds of insects in the real world.
In a 20 year time-jump, an older and more cynical Joel is reintroduced. Changed by the things he has had to do to survive, he is found in a world devastated by the fungus and ruled by the dictatorship of FEDRA, based on the real life FEMA. He’s now a smuggler and confined to one of the many quarantine zones throughout the US.
In time, he meets Ellie, a teen who must be escorted across the country.
HBO’s casting for this series is nothing short of brilliant.
Pedro Pascal delivers a raw and haunted portrayal of Joel, who has been affected by grief and buried his emotions beneath a hardened exterior. Despite this, Pascal’s sensitive and soulful acting allows for a gradual transformation of Joel throughout the series.
Bella Ramsey shines in the role, dominating every scene she is in. Ramsey gained recognition as Lyanna Mormont in “Game of Thrones.” Her portrayal of Ellie in “the Last of Us” is filled with charm and confidence, making her a perfect counterpart to Joel’s reserved demeanor.
“The Last of Us” is a tour de force that stays true to the game’s themes of survival and love while adding more depth to the universe. The world-building is outstanding, with precise attention to detail in recreating the game’s signature environments and creatures. The music is exceptional and enhances the mood and tone of the show, adding an emotional depth to its powerful scenes. The writers have made bold storytelling choices that are sure to spark discussions and debates among fans.
This is more than just a show for fans of the game. It is a captivating and beautifully made series that will grip you from start to finish. It is a triumph of adaptation, delivering a faithful and raw retelling of one of the most beloved stories in video game history.
