The Last of Us - A Review

The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic drama and thriller, has become one of HBO’s most-watched TV series. Based on the video game franchise by Naughty Dog, the series, created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, has received praise from critics, from actors' performances to direction. It has won several awards; many claim it is “the best video game adaptation.” Season 1 aired in 2023 with 9 episodes, and on April 13, 2025, season 2 was released. Season 2 will have 7 episodes. All episodes are available to stream on HBO.

When you're lost in the darkness, look for the light

What Exactly Is The Last of Us About? 

In 2003, a parasitic fungal infection spread across the world, turning humans into violent, zombie-like creatures known as the Infected. The story begins with Joel (Pedro Pascal), a smuggler, who is in charge of taking Ellie (Bella Ramsey) out of a quarantine zone. Ellie, a 14-year-old, is believed to be humanity’s last hope. The pair, connected through their harsh world, are forced to endure brutal, heartbreaking circumstances on a trek across post-outbreak America. 

The series highlights the compelling storytelling of the video game and pays tribute to the game's iconic moments. With its beautiful landscapes, heartbreaking performances, and thought-provoking themes, the adaptation has proven to be a success. It effectively captures the emotional depth of the game and drives questions about what it means to survive in a world that has lost its humanity. The Last of Us explores the impact of loss, trauma, and the lengths that people will go to protect their loved ones. 

The Show’s Success (So Far)

Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal at the 2023 Emmys

The Last of Us is the first video game adaptation to receive major award consideration. The casting and performances help to shape the show, especially Pedro Pascal’s and Bella Ramsey’s relationship. The two complement each other very well, and their chemistry is shown throughout the show. Other performances have been highly acclaimed as well, such as Nico Parker as Sarah, Nick Offerman as Bill, Anna Torv as Tess, Storm Reid as Riley, and Gabriel Luna as Tommy. The first and second seasons have received a 95% on the Rotten Tomatoes meter, which is very high and by far the best rating for any video game adaptation. It has been nominated for 24 Primetime Emmy Awards, with eight wins at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards. It has won two awards at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, including Best Actor for Pascal, and one at the Directors Guild of America Awards. It has also been nominated for three Golden Globe Awards, three Critics’ Choice Television Awards, and five TCA Awards. It led the MTV Movie & TV Show Awards with three wins, including Best Show, and was nominated for six awards at the People’s Choice Awards, including Show of the Year. 

Nick Offerman and Storm Reid at the 2023 Creative Arts Emmys. Both won Outstanding Guest Actor/Actress.

My Personal Opinion 

Joel and Ellie

I watched The Last of Us in 2023, a few weeks after the first season was released. I remember I fell in love with the characters, the cinematography, the storyline, and the acting. The Last of Us does an amazing job developing the characters and engaging the audience. You can tell that every actor has poured their heart and soul into their performances, and immerses you into the story. I love the chemistry between Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey; they have developed such a strong relationship, and fully embodied their characters. Joel and Ellie develop a strong father-daughter bond throughout the show because, ultimately, they are the only ones there for each other. It has become one of the most beloved relationships on the show. The production team did an amazing job with the casting; all the actors fit their roles perfectly. However, Bella Ramsey as Ellie has caused quite the controversy, because they don’t look like Ellie in the video game. You are not going to find someone who looks the same as a video game character because it is just not realistic. If you do find someone who looks like her, you have to take into account whether they will do a good job in the role. Bella is an amazing actor, and they do an amazing job as Ellie. 

One of the Infected

If you have seen The Walking Dead (a zombie, post-apocalyptic show), you know that in almost every episode, the dead appear out of nowhere and tend to kill off characters. However, while The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic/zombie show, it does not overwhelm the audience with appearances of the Infected. Instead of focusing only on the Infected, it focuses more on the human violence towards one another and the emotional, difficult choices the characters have to make. This allows for the scenes with the Infected to be much more intense and thrilling to the viewers. The show also includes elements of dramas and thrillers, making the series more than just a survival show. The show’s premise is simple, but it dives much deeper into human relationships, loss, and resilience. 

The direction and cinematography are amazing. The series does an excellent job of capturing the desperate feel of a world on the brink of collapse. The directors knew what they were doing when they decided to adapt the video game into a series. They have added to the atmosphere of the show and have amplified the emotional impact of important scenes. The special effects, makeup, and filming areas are outstanding and stunning. From lush, overgrown ruins of cities to the claustrophobic spaces inhabited by the Infected, the show’s production captures the beauty of the world while making the danger feel present. The pacing is deliberate, building tension slowly, allowing for each viewer to feel the weight of each loss and sacrifice. 

Final Thoughts

The Last of Us succeeds as not only an action-packed, post-apocalyptic thriller but also as an emotional drama about love, loss, and the human will to live. From outstanding performances from the leads to the insane cinematography, it is a must-watch for fans of the game and newcomers alike. It is a triumph of adaptation and stays true to the video game while adding its own narrative elements. For those who love character-driven stories with high emotion and the unique exploration of the human condition in times of crisis, The Last of Us delivers an unforgettable experience. 10/10 recommend.