The Last of Us: A landmark adaptation

The Last of Usa great game to start with

HBO extension has long been a benchmark in terms of the series. There are countless high-quality works that have become references. No genre seems to resist the American chain, accustomed to creating new trends. One could therefore only be thrilled when a series from the video game The Last of Us was heralded, as adaptations of this medium have been underwhelming in the past.

The game was developed by Naughty Dog and was first released for Playstation 3 (2013). Subsequently, a remastered version was first offered on Playstation 4 (2014).a remake on Playstation 5 (2022) do not allow (re)discovering the work in optimal visual quality. But the strength of The Last of Usand what has decreed its success is above all its history and his way of developing his characters key to create strong player empathy.

Series The Last of Us resumes the story and the initial stages a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a pandemic caused by a parasitic fungus. Twenty years after its appearance, humanity has been decimated and the survivors have taken refuge in areas controlled by a military government.

It is therefore in Boston that there is Joel (Pedro Pascal), a man marked by a tragic past. The fate of him will be tied to Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a teenager who must be handed over to the Fireflies, a group of rebels. The latter is immune to the virus and could therefore allow for the creation of a vaccine.

An adaptation too faithful?

Thanks to the serial format and the means provided by HBO, Craig Mazin (Chernobyl) and Neil Druckmann (originally responsible for the game) were able to adapt The Last of Us From as faithfully as possible. A little too much too, and this is what can create a paradoxical feeling in front of this season 1.

The game, perfectly directed by Neil Druckmann, is extremely cinematic and is perhaps more exciting to watch than to play. The series reproduced with accuracy, even in the dialoguesentire sequences, thus avoiding the slightest surprise for the players and keeping them on familiar ground.

Sure, the writers brought some variations – how to replace infected spores with tendrils. And additional elements, offering during episode 3 a long parenthesis to two secondary characters of the game, or delving judiciously Ellie’s Past (Episodes 7 and 9).

However, overall, the series has mostly taken a large part of the video game, its cutscenes. While this remains relevant to a new audience, it must be admitted that there is a certain lack of originality for those who have already had the game in hand.

However, HBO has offered adaptations in the past that deviate significantly from their original work, such as with Leftovers, Western world OR look at the men. As far as video games are concerned, the remake of Final Fantasy VII he was, for example, very amazing in being much more than just “reproduction”.

In case of The Last of Usthe cinematic part of the game and the choice to treat it entirely in a single season (subsequent ones will adapt The last of us part II) seems to have prevented large variations – which at the same time could have disappointed the players. While this does not detract from all the qualities of the series, this absence of risk-taking can then raise questions regarding the real added value of the show.

The omnipresent emotion

However, we cannot deny the success of Serie A get the most out of the game: the thrill. This is what Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have bet on, even at the cost of making the first part of season 1 of The Last of Us a bit redundant.

We find in the first episodes the same writing pattern. With the highlighting of secondary characters, who may or may not cross paths with Joel and Ellie, before disappearing more or less tragically. The mechanics are not the most exciting in terms of serial writing. But nevertheless, empathy builds perfectly around Joel and Ellie (just like the game).

Joel and Ellie, this magnificent duo

Then we get shocked by Episode 7 which focuses on Ellie’s past. An episode where Bella Ramsey is as touching as ever, before the outburst of his anger and his violence in episode 8 allow him to definitely convince in this role. And even if Pedro Pascal imposes himself immediatelythe construction of his relationship with the teenager impresses.

Together, they develop two complex and questionable characters, to the point this memorable and heartbreaking endingconcluded with a final blow that leaves the throat knotted.

In the end, the mastery of Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann (and of the various directors who follow the specifications perfectly) allows The Last of Us to take advantage of the qualities of the video game, adding some appreciable details. The result remains largely convincing and, faced with a lack of competition, we can only be satisfied with this approach. The show is therefore easily placed as a reference in terms of video game adaptation.

The Last of Us by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, on Prime Video from January 16, 2023. Above the trailer. Find all our trailers here.

Source: Cine Serie

Ray

Ray Ortiz is a journalist at Gossipify, known for his coverage of trending news and current events. He is committed to providing readers with accurate and unbiased reporting, and is respected for his ability to keep readers informed on the latest news and issues.