The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog, has been adapted into a TV series that premiered on HBO Max.
Both the game and the TV show follow Joel and Ellie, played by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey respectively, two survivors of a fungal pandemic as they traverse through a dangerous and hostile world in search of a safe haven.
The show does an incredible job of honoring the source material in the game while also changing different aspects to keep long-time veterans of the game and newcomers to the world of The Last of Us alike, engaged and captivated.
The performances given by the lead actors are masterful. The nuances of the characters have been brought to life with their portrayals in the show.
Gay representation in the show has also been top-tier. The third episode, and the most recent at the time of writing this review, features Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett who deliver a gripping, endearing, and heartbreaking, love story. The Last of Us doesn’t run into the roadblocks in gay representation that are commonly seen in other media. Their story isn’t tragic because of their queerness, they don’t suffer because of their identity. Bill and Frank, the characters Offerman and Bartlett play, are incredibly deep and complex characters who aren’t just boiled down to their sexual identity. The story of Bill and Frank is an outstanding example of how gay representation should be handled in media for the future.
The characters and their stories are not the only aspect of The Last of Us show that is stellar. The cinematography and score are masterfully done and elevate the viewing experience all the more. The world building is impressive and the attention to detail makes the world of The Last of Us unsettlingly realistic. The whole viewing experience engrosses the viewers in the world.
The Last of Us tv show is a must watch for both returning fans and newcomers alike. It’s thrilling narrative, memorable characters, and stunning production make it a standout among recent video game adaptions.
