The Last of Us (2023): Season One: The Review

Overview

"The Last of Us" is a masterclass in video game adaptations, delivering an emotionally charged, visually striking, and powerfully acted take on the beloved PlayStation title. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal outbreak, the series follows Joel and Ellie as they navigate a landscape of danger, loss, and fragile hope. With stunning performances from Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, along with a narrative that stays true to the source material while expanding its depth, this adaptation sets a new standard for storytelling in gaming-based media. While a few pacing choices and minor deviations may not satisfy everyone, the show’s emotional weight and production value make it a must-watch.

Score: 9.5 out of 10

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The Positives

✅ Faithful yet Fresh: The show remains deeply loyal to the game’s narrative, while thoughtfully expanding characters and relationships. Added backstory for key figures like Bill, Frank, and Kathleen enriches the world and deepens the emotional impact.

✅ Stellar Performances: Pedro Pascal’s Joel captures the gruff, haunted survivor with nuance, while Bella Ramsey’s Ellie delivers a performance full of vulnerability, wit, and resilience. Their chemistry is the emotional backbone of the series.

✅ Visually Stunning: The world of The Last of Us is brought to life with breathtaking cinematography. From eerie, overgrown cityscapes to hauntingly quiet small-town ruins, the show nails the atmosphere of the game.

✅ Emotional Depth: Whether you’re familiar with the story or experiencing it for the first time, the show’s emotional highs and devastating lows hit hard. The heartbreaking arcs, particularly in episodes 3 and 5, stand out as some of the most poignant TV moments in years.

✅ Tension and Horror: The infected are terrifying, and the show expertly balances action with suspenseful, quiet dread. The introduction of the Bloater and the Clickers showcases incredible prosthetic and VFX work.

✅ Music and Sound Design: The haunting, minimalist score by Gustavo Santaolalla enhances every scene, making the world feel both intimate and vast. The sound design ensures that every Clicker screech and distant groan keeps you on edge.

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The Negatives

⚠️ Pacing Issues: Some episodes focus more on character backstories than the main journey, which, while beautifully executed, may feel slow to those expecting a more action-driven narrative.

⚠️ Limited Infected Presence: The human drama is top-tier, but the infected don’t always feel like a consistent threat. Some episodes feel more like post-apocalyptic drama than survival horror.

⚠️ Certain Changes May Divide Fans: While most changes enhance the story, some deviations—like a few omitted action-heavy sequences—may leave die-hard fans missing certain moments from the game.