HBO’s “The Last of Us” has always remained in the back of my mind, ever since it was announced that one of my favorite video games would be adapted into a TV show in November 2020. The excitement that it created festered and grew, taking over my brain leading into this Jan., when the first episode was released. And all I can say is … wow. Creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann (the latter of whom co-created the game and co-wrote its story) went above and beyond in crafting a narrative filled with love, passion, horror and grief.
Just as in the original game, “The Last of Us” follows Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as they navigate the post-apocalyptic world of 2023, 20 years after a global pandemic breaks out. While this may seem frighteningly close to reality, instead of a flu-like virus threatening humanity, an incurable parasitic fungus is running rampant. The fungus turns its human hosts to zombified Infected, who continue to spread the fungus. Now, the last couple of years don’t seem quite as bad.
The acting and character-building in the show is top-notch. While Pedro Pascal might have gone viral on TikTok for merely being incredibly good-looking (and who are we to deny that), his acting in “The Last of Us” is just another addition to his incredible filmography. He plays the brooding lead, still dealing with the loss and grief of 20 years before — one who has truly been through hell and back. Yet it is Pascal’s ability to balance Joel’s cynicism and intensity with his loyalty and love that make his performance utterly captivating.
Bella Ramsey, the other star of the series, stole the show for me. They are beyond talented and are able to bring a likability to the character of Ellie that is captivating for the audience. While initially, one may believe Ellie to be a little bit on the bratty side, her fiery spirit quickly draws us into her journey. I found myself looking forward to each new episode just to see what Ellie might do.
While many may wonder, “Why would I ever subject myself to watching zombies?” I’m here to let you know that you must. While zombies appear to be the main conflict, the internal struggles of the characters and their fragile relationships are the heart of the show. The zombies are the catalyst for the human story. The first episode is a thrilling rollercoaster ride, but it aims to establish the stakes, so that the pace can slow down with the roadmap and the looming danger set. But the most amazing part is that we are rooting for Joel and Ellie even from the beginning.
Without spoiling anything, HBO’s “The Last of Us” is as entertaining as it is heart-wrenching, with an incredibly moving story and stellar characters. And if you don’t believe me, I have pictures of me crying during almost every episode to prove it.
Show: “The Last of Us”
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey
Favorite episodes: “Long, Long Time,” “Left Behind”
If you like: “The Walking Dead,” “Game of Thrones”
Where to watch: HBO Max
Shamrocks: 5 out of 5
‘The Last of Us’: Infectious heartbreak
Maria Gorecki
Maria Gorecki
