The Last of Us is one of my new favorite shows. It had me hooked with its suspense, horror, and sadistic nature. Even with its haunting emotional themes, I want to keep watching it over and over again.
Based on the critically acclaimed video game with the same name, The Last of Us is intended for mature and older audiences. I recommend it for those who are interested in apocalypse tropes and survivalist scenarios. The show can be found on the streaming service Max.
Twenty years after a global pandemic destroys civilization, the show follows Joel Miller, 56, (Pedro Pascal) as he transports a young teenager named Ellie Williams (Bella Ramsey). As they make their way through the post-apocalyptic United States they encounter other survivors, who are “infected,” and cities in ruin.
I found the relationship between Ellie and Joel to be bittersweet as they have only each other in this apocalyptic world. Their bond is only made stronger as they learn about each other’s past and previous experiences with the pandemic. As they make their way across the country they form a close father-daughter connection. Their relationship is made even stronger as other characters commonly repeat the phrase, “When you’re lost in the darkness, look for the light.” This expression perfectly describes how both Joel and Ellie see each other in these difficult times.
Even though the show has graphic and violent elements, the show’s main highlight and focus is the connections between the main characters and other survivors. The show has a subtle yet smart motif of meeting new characters as duos. Every time we meet a new pair they reflect and mirror our main characters with their personality traits and relationship dynamics.
The production design and acting never bored me as it always felt so detailed and realistic. The costuming and set design perfectly matches a world reminiscent of 2003 only now it’s 2023. The makeup is also something to detail as it looks sickeningly perfect with its accuracy in the infected bites and the look of the fungi-infected humans.
I highly recommend this show as it is now one of my favorites. On of scale of 1-5, I give it 5 RedHawks.
