‘The Last of Us’ – Season One – Review

Few things get us more hyped than a solid video game adaptation, and HBO’s The Last of Us isn’t just solid—it’s a stone-cold masterpiece. A gut-wrenching, pulse-pounding, and deeply emotional journey, this series takes everything that made the original game a genre-defining experience and elevates it to a whole new level of prestige television greatness. With stunning performances, expert storytelling, and some of the most hauntingly beautiful cinematography seen on TV, The Last of Us is a must-watch and easily one of the best shows of 2023.

The Last Of Us story takes place twenty years after modern civilization has been destroyed. Joel (Pedro Pascal), a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal, heartbreaking journey, as they both must traverse the U.S. and depend on each other for survival.

For those unfamiliar with the game, The Last of Us is set in a world ravaged by a fungal pandemic that has turned much of humanity into grotesque, violent creatures. But as harrowing as the post-apocalyptic setting is, the true heart of this series lies in its emotional core: the relationship between Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey). Joel, a hardened survivor haunted by past trauma, is tasked with transporting Ellie, a teenager who may hold the key to humanity’s survival, across a devastated United States. What follows is an odyssey of survival, loss, and connection in a world that has lost all sense of hope.

HBO’s adaptation, helmed by Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin and the game’s original mastermind Neil Druckmann, doesn’t just rehash the story beat for beat—it expands and enriches it in ways that make it feel fresh while still honoring its source material. Iconic moments from the game are brought to life with meticulous detail, while new scenes and character developments add depth and nuance that even longtime fans of the franchise will appreciate. The result? A narrative that grips you by the throat and refuses to let go.

Pedro Pascal is phenomenal as Joel. He brings a weary, world-worn gravitas to the character, perfectly balancing Joel’s hardened exterior with the vulnerability of a broken man slowly rediscovering what it means to love and protect someone again. Pascal’s performance is subtle yet powerful, packed with unspoken emotions that hit like a sledgehammer.

Then there’s Bella Ramsey as Ellie; an absolute revelation. She captures Ellie’s fiery spirit, wit, and unwavering determination with raw intensity, while also peeling back the layers of a young girl who has seen too much horror for her years. Their chemistry together is electrifying, building a dynamic that’s equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. By the time the season reaches its emotional climax, you’ll be left reeling from the sheer weight of their performances.

Visually, The Last of Us is a triumph. From the eerily quiet, overgrown cityscapes to the hauntingly beautiful ruins of civilization, every frame is drenched in atmosphere. The cinematography captures both the horror and the beauty of this world, emphasizing not just the danger lurking around every corner but also the fleeting moments of hope and human connection.

And let’s talk about the infected. The practical effects and creature designs for the Clickers are downright terrifying, staying true to the game’s grotesque fungal monstrosities. The tension in every encounter with these creatures is palpable, enhanced by the show’s use of sound design that will have you holding your breath in anticipation.

While The Last of Us is consistently excellent, one episode, in particular, stands out as an instant classic, Episode 3, ‘Long, Long Time’. This deviation from the game focuses on Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett), delivering a love story that is poignant, tender, and absolutely devastating. Offerman and Bartlett give Emmy-worthy performances in a beautifully written and emotionally resonant episode that showcases the show’s ability to tell deeply human stories amidst the chaos of the apocalypse.

HBO’s The Last of Us is more than just an adaptation — it’s an evolution. It takes one of the greatest video game narratives of all time and transforms it into prestige television of the highest order. With phenomenal performances, impeccable world-building, and deeply emotional storytelling, this series sets a new gold standard for what a video game adaptation can be. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the game or experiencing this story for the first time, The Last of Us is an unforgettable journey that will leave you haunted, heartbroken, and completely in awe.

Watch The Last of Us, Season One on NEON.

Image: SKY TV