As a fan of "The Last of Us" game, I went into the TV adaptation with high expectations. After watching the first season, I can confidently say that the production quality is truly exceptional, and for the most part, it captures the essence of the game, even if there are inevitable changes for the sake of adaptation. The visuals are nothing short of stunning, with the post-apocalyptic world depicted in vivid detail. The decaying cities, overgrown nature, and hauntingly empty spaces feel authentic, immersing the viewer into the same eerie atmosphere that the game does so well. The cinematography and production design contribute greatly to creating this world, making the series both visually and emotionally engaging.
Pedro Pascal's portrayal of Joel is, without a doubt, a highlight of the series. He brings the character to life in a way that feels incredibly natural, embodying the emotional complexity and gritty determination that Joel requires. Pascal captures Joel's internal struggles, his love for his daughter, and the pain he carries with him, all while portraying the hardened survivor who is doing whatever it takes to protect Ellie. His performance anchors the series and serves as a perfect homage to the character from the game.
That said, my biggest issue with the adaptation centers on Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey. While I have no doubt about Ramsey's talent as an actress, her portrayal of Ellie didn't sit well with me. The character, as written in the show, feels "off" for most of the season. Ellie comes across as far too aggressive, angry, and brutal-almost as though she is a punk rebelling against the world around her. This version of Ellie lacks the depth and vulnerability that made her character in the game so compelling. In the game, Ellie is a complex blend of strength, wit, vulnerability, and a sense of humor that acts as a contrast to the grim world she inhabits. In the show, however, her anger feels more like an all-consuming characteristic, which isn't true to her original portrayal.
This could have been a writing issue rather than an acting one, and I do acknowledge that Bella Ramsey is a skilled performer. But, as someone who has played the game multiple times, it was hard to shake the feeling that this version of Ellie was too harsh and disconnected from the spirit of the character I know and love. It wasn't just one moment-it persisted throughout the season, and it never quite settled for me.
Nonetheless, the series still works remarkably well overall. The emotional depth of the story is still present, and the central relationship between Joel and Ellie remains a powerful driving force. The world-building, action sequences, and moments of heartache and hope all come together in a compelling way. Even though Ellie's characterization felt off to me, the chemistry between Pascal and Ramsey still brings a lot of emotional weight to their scenes together.
In the end, "The Last of Us" is a successful adaptation that captures much of what made the game a landmark experience, even if there are elements that could have been handled better. It's a series that balances nostalgia for fans with fresh interpretations, and I still look forward to seeing how it continues to unfold in future seasons. Despite my quirk with Ellie's portrayal, the series does a great job of honoring the source material while finding its own voice, and that's what makes it so effective overall.
