HBO and Sony have managed to recreate the emotions and suspense of the acclaimed video game in the live-action adaptation of Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us, and it is by far the best video game adaptation we’ve seen yet.
Before production commenced on the series, Pedro Pascal had already been picked by the fans as well as the game’s community as the man to play Joel in the live-action adaptation Pascal is nothing short of outstanding in the series.
If there was ever a movie or TV series where you didn’t like Pascal’s acting, you will like him as Joel whether you’ve played the video game or not. The Mandalorian star is at his best in yet another role where he must protect the one he loves at all costs
Next we have Bella Ramsey as Ellie, and even though her casting as Ellie was surprising to many, she was able to put in a remarkable performance that gives the series a unique and incredible duo as protagonists.
Ramsey, who many will remember as the fierce lady Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones (where she made her professional acting debut) has quickly become a fan favorite character as Ellie, a fearless teenager who also happens to be the most valuable surviving human in an apocalyptic world.
One of the best elements about The Last of Us is that it didn’t take time to pick up and build up its thrill and suspense from the first episodes. And although some viewers might have liked to see the apocalyptic transition as in other shows like The Walking Dead, the showrunners jumped to 25 years after the outbreak, delving right into a world that’s gone to shit.
The series did a great job of showcasing what an apocalyptic world should be like and how it would operate, a world where everyone is a danger to everyone and that sometimes The Infected (Runners, Stalkers, Clickers, Bloaters) aren’t the dangers you should fear, but other human survivors.
Like many other video game adaptations–that aren’t nearly as good as this one–the showrunners usually aim to take development slow. So if you’ve played the game and are hoping to get full-on action from The Infected or Clickers, the show doesn’t exactly focus on them in this first season.
As a live-action adaptation, they’re leaning towards drama and suspense. And the show has managed to create most of its thrill and suspense from human enemies rather than from Clickers. Rest assured, Clickers are very much a threat in the world of Joel and Ellie and they’re just as terrifying as they are in the video game.
Other notable characters include Nick Offerman (Bill), Murray Bartlett (Frank), Keivonn Woodard (Sam), Lamar Johnson (Henry) and Merle Dandridge (Marlene). The supporting cast did great as well by giving fans some of the most touching and shocking moments in a TV show.
From a heartbreak caused by loss, leading to an unanticipated adventure, then a love story, and a fight for survival in a world where no one can be trusted, HBO’s The Last of Us is a brilliant video game adaptation that you should see, especially if you haven’t played the acclaimed video game.