Should I Watch The Last of Us? A Full Review

If you have been wondering whether to spend your evenings watching The Last of Us, you are not alone. Adapted from a popular video game, this series has attracted viewers worldwide with its mix of zombie horror and heartfelt storytelling. 

But is it worth your time and emotional energy? Here is a full, honest review of The Last of Us, including its strongest points and where it falls short, to help you decide if it belongs on your watchlist.

The Storyline: Familiar but With Emotional Layers

The Last of Us tells a story many are already familiar with: a postapocalyptic world filled with zombies, ruin, and survival. The first season takes viewers through deserted urban landscapes like Boston, Kansas City, and Salt Lake City before reaching the wide-open spaces of Wyoming. The second season begins five years later in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where Joel and Ellie now live within a tight-knit community.

Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, is a hardened survivor whose daughter was killed when the zombie outbreak first began. He ends up caring for Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey, a sharp, resilient teenager who is immune to the fungal infection that caused the global collapse. This unlikely pair’s journey for a cure forms the emotional centre of the show.

While the series strives to expand beyond standard zombie action, it still leans on familiar tropes – tension-filled journeys, grim rescues, and terrifying infected attacks. However, what sets it apart is the depth given to Joel and Ellie’s relationship. 

Unlike other shows where emotional scenes simply build up to violent deaths, The Last of Us lets their bond breathe. You begin to care deeply about what happens to them, even though the world around them feels hopeless.

However, a note of caution. Despite its strong writing, this show does not transcend the zombie genre entirely. Its dramatic scenes, no matter how moving, often fall into predictable patterns. If you are seeking something revolutionary within horror storytelling, The Last of Us may not offer enough freshness to satisfy that craving.

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Acting and Characters: A Reliable Strength

One of the series’ standout qualities is the acting. Bella Ramsey, especially, commands the screen as Ellie. Her portrayal is layered – fierce yet vulnerable, irritating yet lovable, brave yet deeply scarred. 

Compared to Ellie’s first season teenage wit and humour, Season 2 introduces a more grounded version of her at 19 years old. Ramsey ensures that even as Ellie matures and hardens, she remains relatable to viewers.

Pedro Pascal delivers a quiet, strong performance as Joel. His weary expressions and subtle gestures convey a man haunted by loss, weighed down by responsibility, and torn by moral decisions. The chemistry between Pascal and Ramsey remains believable, making the surrogate father-daughter dynamic feel genuine.

Season 2 introduces new faces, including Isabela Merced as Dina, Ellie’s friend who brings warmth and complexity to the narrative. Catherine O’Hara plays a therapist struggling with her own despair, offering short yet powerful scenes. 

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Wright and Kaitlyn Dever join as leaders of opposing groups but receive minimal screen time, hinting that their importance may emerge more in Season 3.

However, for all these performances, The Last of Us still shows its weaknesses. Sometimes, its attempt to mix psychological drama with violent zombie action results in tonal confusion. 

Scenes of tender conversation are suddenly interrupted by gruesome battles, leaving viewers unsure whether to focus on fear or empathy. This inconsistency can make it feel like neither aspect reaches its full potential.

A final note of caution. Despite being backed by HBO and massive production budgets, The Last of Us remains fundamentally a zombie drama. If you dislike gore, close-up violence, and moral greyness, this might not be the most enjoyable watch.

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Realism and Cinematic Experience: Strong but Conventional

Visually, The Last of Us excels. The deserted cities are hauntingly beautiful, and each set piece is crafted with cinematic quality. From the overgrown ruins of Boston to the foreboding streets of Seattle in Season 2, the series maintains an atmosphere that is both immersive and unsettling. Action scenes are shot with precision, often placing you right in the centre of the chaos.

Yet the realism of human reactions sometimes falters. While Joel and Ellie’s decisions feel understandable, supporting characters occasionally act in ways that seem driven purely by plot needs rather than authentic behaviour. 

For instance, large-scale militia operations or sudden betrayals often occur with minimal build-up, reminding viewers they are watching scripted drama rather than real human dilemmas.

Season 2 focuses more on human conflict than zombies, especially as Ellie sets out on her journey to Seattle. The infected become background danger, with attention shifting to revenge, regret, and complex moral choices. This pivot works well for character development but might disappoint viewers who watch primarily for survival horror.

Another note of caution for potential viewers. While the production values are high, the core storytelling remains conventional. It polishes and elaborates on zombie drama conventions but does not reinvent them. If you expect groundbreaking narrative innovation, this series may fall short.

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Conclusion

Overall, The Last of Us offers a powerful yet familiar viewing experience. Its strengths lie in acting, emotional storytelling, and impressive visuals. However, it remains rooted in traditional zombie genre formulas, occasionally struggling to balance drama with horror. 

Watch it for Bella Ramsey’s outstanding performance and its careful portrayal of human relationships in crisis. But be prepared for intense scenes and the sobering realisation that this series, despite its acclaim, does not redefine its genre.

FAQ

Is The Last of Us suitable for children?

No, it contains graphic violence, strong language, and mature themes.

Do I need to play the game before watching the show?

No, the series stands alone, but familiarity with the game adds context.

Is Season 2 better than Season 1?

It depends on your preference. Season 2 focuses more on human conflict than zombies.

Does The Last of Us have jump scares?

Yes, there are several intense scenes designed to startle viewers.

Is the storyline based on real events?

No, it is fictional, inspired by the video game and not connected to real fungal outbreaks.