‘The Last of Us’ tackles the power of human connection in a world void of it
By Melanie Faz
HBO’s “The Last of Us” isn’t just a show about survival, it’s a story about the significance of human connection and loss in a world torn apart by a global outbreak.
“The Last of Us” is set in a ravaged post-apocalyptic United States following the outbreak of a parasitic fungal infection known as Cordyceps — which slowly invades its host, eventually leaving them in a zombie-like state with no recollection of who they were. Hardened survivor Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) is tasked with delivering angsty teen Ellie Williams (Bella Ramsey), who is believed to be immune, to be examined by scientists looking for a cure.
“The Last of Us” is based on an action-adventure video game by developers Naughty Dog and Sony Interactive Entertainment, first released on June 14, 2013. It was an immediate hit selling over 1.3 million units in its first week, with Youtubers like PewDiePie with millions of subscribers making hour-long play-throughs. The game eventually reached audiences outside the video game community and earned praise for its cinematography and intense storylines. This is only amplified in the show, which does a great job of making the character’s motivations feel relatable and authentic.
Joel and his trusty companion and partner in crime Tess (Anna Torv) are approached by the rebel group Fireflies’ leader Marlene (Merle Dandridge) for help smuggling Ellie out of the city. As Joel weighs his options viewers can almost see the gears turn in his head via Pascal’s iconic thoughtful tight-lipped expression. Eventually, Tess’ hopeful nature convinces her sullen friend to agree and the three set off.
On their trek, the trio is cornered by a hoard of infected and is slapped with the news that Tess has been bitten. In this scene, through the choppy camera flashing between Joel and Tess, we feel the desperation and sorrow as the two affectionately gaze at each other for what will be the last time.
Writers and executive producers Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann do a stellar job of immersing audiences through their storytelling and cinematography choices — giving viewers a first-row seat to life in a post-apocalyptic world.
Moments before Tess “turns” into the very thing they’ve been running from, we see Joel’s internal struggle as he is forced to leave his only true friend and continue on without her. The powerful scene is amplified by the sorrowful theme song as the finality of Tess’ sentence hits.
The show’s chilling original score by composer Gustavo Santaolalla heightens the tension in moments throughout the series, making every aspect of this show curated to invoke the raw feelings the characters experience.
Episode three pulls viewers into the love story between brooding survivalist Bill (Nick Offerman) and optimist Frank (Murray Bartlett), dear friends of Joel and Tess. Through a series of flashbacks, viewers form a connection with the couple as they grow old together, make dinner and live a “normal” life — a luxury in their world.
When Frank falls ill, the two decide to end their lives because they cannot imagine living without each other. In a goodbye letter to Joel, Bill writes, “I used to hate the world, and I was happy when everyone died. But I was wrong because there was one person worth saving.”
Bill confesses that his love for Frank made his life more meaningful and he could not exist without him. This message hits home for viewers after living during the COVID-19 pandemic, a bittersweet realization that our lives are more fulfilling if we have loved ones to share them with.
As Ellie and Joel began their cross-country road trip to Wyoming, we start to see trust bloom between them.
Ramsey perfectly encapsulated the pesky younger sibling poking your side on a road trip as she cracks cheesy puns in an attempt to rile Joel up. Eventually, Joel’s grumpy demeanor cracks and we hear Pascal’s wholehearted laugh fill the car.
Pascal and Ramsey’s chemistry leaves viewers with a full heart as we see Joel begin to care about Ellie despite his efforts to appear heartless. At this moment, Bill’s words ring truer than ever, Joel is finding meaning in his life through his relationship with Ellie and as viewers will find out, he would do anything to protect her from harm.
As of right now, there are only four episodes released. “The Last of Us” releases a new episode every Sunday at 8 p.m. on the streaming platform HBO Max.
5 out of 5 stars
