Why The Last of Us is PERFECT | Video Essay

In this Video Essay we break down why The Last of Us is a perfect video game adaptation. The video game curse has loomed large over various film and television adaptations for decades, yet The Last of Us is not just breaking the curse, but perhaps burying it for good! We break down and analyse in this The Last of Us Video Essay, why the show is perfect, how Joel and Ellie have been brought to life from the incredible The Last of Us Game from Naughty Dog. Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have HBO's latest hit firing on all cylinders to deliver what could be HBO's best hit since Game of Thrones.
The Last of Us (2023)
Twitter - / movie_overload
0:00 - Intro
3:23 - Part 1
16:29 - Part 2
24:37 - Part 3
26:33 - Outro

[@markc8329]

The thing about Tess and Joel’s “relationship” in the show is that it appears to have been very one-sided. Before she dies Tess says “I never asked you to feel what I felt.” I think the show is really wanting to drive home the point that Joel is still very closed off and not wanting to let people get too close.

[@markc8329]

Update: Ayy first KZbinr I’ve heard acknowledge this 👌

[@movieoverload]

Must admit I was very surprised by the lack of people that picked up on it

[@CianMcsweeney]

their relationship was similar in the video game as well, what tess says before dying is a bit more subtle in the game though, she says: "What do you know about us, about me" and "There's enough here that you have to feel some sort of obligation to me"

[@tj3603]

Yep, they show this dynamic from the very first scene they have together, she climbs in to the bed and hugs him, while he is turning back. But they also show how all of this is just and act and trauma response, because he can't help but take care of her, immediately jumping up and treating her wounds, totally ready to kill whomever harmed her.

[@universal1771]

The game is similar and in my opinion did it better. When tess says what do you know about me. It seems that tess in the game cared about Joel but was also closed off emotionally. I wish they showed her past because I assumed she'd lost her family.

[@TheAwesomeDarkNinja]

My dad whose never even played the game absolutely loves the show. I knew it was great when the credits hit and he threw his arms up "ah COME ON!"

[@Tabs1551]

Yeah, same with my dad. I recommended the game to him first. Then the show came out which was just perfect. We both love it. Two different viewpoints of it.

[@pjhey947]

Me too! I never played the game and absolutely loved the show! So great ❤❤❤

[@aerience]

your dad is literally me

[@heyitsnasira]

I had this EXACT same experience. He rejected me showing him the game years ago because "it's cartoons". I told him to watch the show and he LOVES it, really excited for each episode.

[@Bewar3them00n]

Same with me, I hadn’t a clue what it was about, and after bailing on the walking dead, (very early due to boredom,)I really wasn’t expecting much, but was blown away from the off.

[@mnopinion]

To answer the “why we need this adaptation”… I want my wife to watch it. I wanted to share this story with her for the longest time but unfortunately games isnt a medium she would enjoy sitting through - watching TV is. Seeing her love the story as much as i did back then… is why I appreciate this faithful adaptation so much.

[@hazel-vf7on]

I feel the same way. When it comes to games I have pretty limited titles in which I would genuinely enjoy playing without having to get lost in details. With an adaptation, I can simply let it go on its own and not have to worry about whether this or that looks legit or not. It's an adaptation, not something identical, and thus some things will look different. While I'm a huge gamer, having an adaptation that feels fresh is very reviving. I have enjoyed both episodes thus far, and I have high hopes for the next ones! It does help that Pedro plays Joel and Pedro is an absolute daddy 😝

[@dondrew4798]

Same i want so many people to know this story who don’t play video games!

[@erinarcher2483]

Same ish reason for me. I like turn based games and am horrible at action games. I did buy The Last of Us and really, really tried but I kept losing. I don't really care for watching people play games so I'm glad I now have a medium where I can experience the story

[@hazel-vf7on]

@@erinarcher2483 The whole sentiment of "why do we need xxx" is very subjective and I usually never agree with asking it in the first place. There is a purpose for everything, big and small. 😋

[@gravityslave6277]

" _faithful adaptation_ " You mean the faithful adaptation where they race swapped Joel and the family for no reason?

[@yuledevorak8244]

My 53 years old mother, who doesn't really care about videogames, watched the first episode, rewatched three times and said "I want to play the game" I was stunned.

[@HumanTypewriter]

Then you'll be happy to know Tess has a much better character and death in the game, not this cheap gore porn crap. She is so cool in the game

[@yuledevorak8244]

@@HumanTypewriter I think you have very weird concepts of both gore and porn. Have a nice day.

[@snickims9717]

@@HumanTypewriter Does she? I recal her dying in a, mostly off screan, firefight with Fedra in the game, which is significanty less cool then blowing up a horde of infected chasing Joal and Ellie.

[@SozBoz]

@@HumanTypewriter Off screen death by police. How honorable.

[@linneahansen8896]

That's the reaction I had too! I'm not at all a gamer but if I had the chance to play Last of Us I absolutely would

[@noahkirschtein8169]

watching this after episode 3 is.. wow. they added so much to bill’s character and changed frank’s fate in the best way.

[@zaarkeru3391]

Yeah, the queues was always there. But they actually game Bill a arc that actually ends, almost like paying respect to the original character.

[@nyanbinary1717]

I BAWLED. As a queer person, having a romantic story told in such a way meant so much to me.

[@stevenhardcastle3224]

I was kind of hoping they'd change Henry and Sam's too.... but I understand why they didn't

[@x243zechY-gw1bq]

@@nyanbinary1717 disgusting

[@nyanbinary1717]

@@x243zechY-gw1bq Yeah. Bigotry is disgusting.

[@e_eyster]

The Jakarta scene was amazing really. The expert going from disbelief to concern to essentially acceptance of "we are all going to die" in just a couple scenes is masterfully done. Not only the dialogue essentially saying the only slight hope for humanity is to immediately kill everyone in a massive city, herself and her family included, but the camera work to accompany it.

[@MrJackal00]

Neil spoke about not using spores, because you would miss a lot of expressions from the characters/actors if they had to wear gasmasks for 30% of the show

[@BigMikeMcBastard]

Chris Maizen also said they didn't think audiences would buy it, as everyone knows spores don't just stay in one little area. They get blown all over the place. Humanity wouldn't stand a chance. The TV audience wouldn't be able to suspend their belief like we do in games.

[@willscorner8423]

@@BigMikeMcBastard doesn’t work, because that way it’s not believable that the fungus would have taken over the world. In the game it’s more the high concentration of the spores not the spores itself. Because like today you constantly breath in spores of all kinds funguses which do nothing to you because of low concentration. Breathing in high concentrations of those like mold spores from molding bread can affect your health. So spores make a lot more sense than the nonsense in the show.

[@Flufferz626]

@@willscorner8423 mold spores are different from say, ringworm in infection. Which differ from cordyceps. All are fungus.

[@MottenManOne]

If regular spores are not realistic, how did it not wipe out all of the bug species it affects?

[@Alpha1918]

I disagree with that claim they made. You didn't have to wear a gas mask in the game very often, and that could be translated to like 2 scenes in the show, no big deal. Plus you could play around with timing, maybe have an opening to an ep where it starts with Joel stealth killing a runner in a spore area or something without any dialogue. Then have him leave the area and pop the mask off in the first few minutes.

[@blue_eyedfloozy]

The tendrils are so much scarier than the spores imo. The second episode expanding on how the tendrils work and obviously the ending made my stomach turn. I think it’s a really good change and more accurate to how something like this could happen irl

[@daysevenxz]

Exactly! And it got so much scary than something that you just have to put your mask on to avoid, much better indeed

[@kristoffer2250]

The explanation made my stomach crawl. Seeing it in action scared the shit out of me

[@JayGillyon]

Exactly, don't underestimate the mycelium...

[@hawaiianpizza9386]

Got a feeling we're going to see 'super-infected' shooting out spores and Bill putting on a gas mask to avoid it. Ellie did mention it and I could've swear Bill took off his gas mask in one of the trailer.

[@kylealexander7024]

Idk that this is more irl realistic but it plays better in a movie. Irl the spores would be needed and are also part of the cordyceps fungi irl. Thats y they force ants to climb high into the area theyre in. Spreads spores better

[@guiramos3733]

They’ve indeed delivered a perfect formula: Don’t innovate where it ain’t necessary. Expand on the narrative while preserving the essence of the source material. Respect the fanbase and attract newcomers. ❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 This should now become the standard for adaptations. Thank you for this awesome video.

[@kristoffer2250]

This is something thousands of disappointed gamers have been asking live action adaptations to be. It's kind of bizarre that it took decades for someone to actually do this. It's all people have been asking for.

[@johannfunn6962]

Nailed what makes a great (game) adaption.

[@warlorddk2070]

They HAVE innovated when it wasnt necessary though, with poorly considered alternatives to original scenes... The podcast that was meant to excuse the changes as necessary on made it more clear how unecessary they were... Its still a good show its just not faithful to the original, some times places where it makes sense, and others where it takes away from the original quality. Its still good but I do not understand why they still dont trust in Druckman, the man has just given up and handed his lifework off to hollywood just to get a show made... I mean Craig Mazin's consultent forinstance asking for a scene change because she didnt understand why np eyes on a human means no sight.... She didnt understand you use your eyes to see guys and she had something to say in the changes of this show.... Atleast despite thoughtless changes it was still watchable after getting gutted and morphed into something different.

[@nicobenji0248]

This used to be the standard for adaptations. Lord of the RIngs, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones(first 5-6 seasons), and so on. All people want is for the source material to be respected. With movies they often have to cut stuff so that's why people always feel the books are better. But with shows you can often do a lot more of the material justice. But even then sometimes Hollywood wants to outshine the original. People don't want something adapted for "mass audience" or "modern audiences". Just adapt the material with respect or don't. Sometimes it's ego but most of the time it's just incompetence or laziness masked by mountains of excuses. What Hollywood doesn't understand is that if the fans of the original material being adapted don't like it they're going to tell people by word of mouth not to watch it lol. People that have more sway than reviewers are your friends who tell you to really watch something or never touch something else lol

[@nugget3687]

I also love the additions, like the real life wood wide web, something that probably wouldn't work in a game all about conserving resources but works great in a tv show

[@isaacbeeby2528]

The actress who played that Indonesian scientist did an absolutely phenomenal job. I would even go so far as to say that she deserves an Emmy JUST for that cold opening alone. When that officer told her that there were 14 people still missing from the flour mill where the outbreak started, her hands that she was holding her tea with started to shake ever so slightly, indicating that not only was she absolutely horrified, but also that she might already be infected with Cordyceps (either from the body she examined or from her lunch, which could have had flour or grain in it.), given that the first sign of infection is twitching and shaking and it is left up to the audience to determine that for themselves. Also, with just ONE SINGLE word in the way it was delivered and the facial expressions in her acting, not only did it send shivers down my spine and made the hair on my arms stand up, but it also told the audience that both SHE knew and WE knew that the human race was now completely and utterly FUCKED, there was 0 chance of containing the spread since they had no idea where any of the missing workers were, there are no medicines or vaccines to treat or cure it (despite her and other scientists best efforts over decades of research, hence the tease from the epidemiologist during the talk show scene in the cold opening of episode 1) and that there was literally nothing she or anybody else could do about it, EXCEPT... "Bomb" I am telling you man. I have said it before hundreds of times and I will keep saying it until I am blue in the face. HBO are the KINGS and the GOLD STANDARD of television and they have proved that OVER and OVER and OVER and OVER and OVER again. Whether you're talking about now The Last of Us or Game of Thrones or The Wire or Chernobyl or Band of Brothers or Last Week Tonight or The White Lotus or Peacemaker or The Sopranos or Euphoria Or Succession or Curb your Enthusiasm or Mare of Easttown or Veep or Westworld or Lovecraft Country or whatever else. Nobody else comes even close to them in terms of quality. Yeah, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Paramount+ etc. all have their fair share of great shows as well, but none of them hold a candle to what HBO is producing. I am predicting right now that if the rest of the season can maintain or even exceed the quality of the first two episodes, we are gonna be looking at a SWEEP for this show at the Emmys.

[@TripleeVFX]

Well said

[@Kenjaku508]

let him cook

[@mrdavman13]

One pushback is that she is only shaking from being scared. Her lunch only had meat and veggies on her plate. So no infection there. Actually they made a point of showing, she was the only one in the restaurant that didn’t have some sort of bread or flour/grain product (noodles) It was unbridled fear and her knowledge that even one person could bring down the whole city, 14 people being missing for almost 30 hours and being able to spread it all over during that time, she knows they don’t stand any chance of getting a hold on the infection spread.

[@aryowisnuwardhana6666]

Introducing you Christine Hakim. She’s one of Indonesia’s gem and seminal method actress and has been the legend for so many years till now

[@isaacbeeby2528]

@@mrdavman13 correct me if I'm wrong, but her lunch looked like satay chicken. Doesn't that dish have flour in it to coat the chicken in?

[@taun96]

What's really impressive is the infected on the show move EXACTLY like the infected in the game. The ticks, the croaking, the erratic jerks and all. Just perfect!

[@casualsatanist]

Thoughts exactly, used to watch TWD with my girlfriend and when she saw the mass of them crawling rigidly out of the hole and sprinting full tilt, she said “Jesus these are the scariest zombies I’ve ever seen”

[@AlwaysOnP0int]

This show has infected? LOL

[@jackgreen5875]

They hired people who had played the game and knew the characteristics of the infected. It's such a good choice and added so much

[@AmandaBee]

"slightly rougher around the edges" is a good way to describe the show's version of Ellie. It kicks the snarky, loudmouth part of her personality up a few notches. I'm kind of hoping she softens up a bit as she gets closer to Joel throughout the show

[@korallyne2114]

yes!

[@t8tertotsp]

I think they’re exaggerating the rougher aspects in both of them to make it even more impactful when they finally bond. They even made it make sense within the narrative itself because the show had Ellie being imprisoned by the fireflies which I mean, of course she was gonna be particularly angry and snarky in that context. I love her portrayal so far & can’t wait to see it develop over the season

[@SidPhoenix2211]

@@t8tertotsp And just from what we have seen, all of that roughness comes from a place of fear. She plays that part up to seem tough and dangerous. We see that guard come down when she asks Joel if they're gonna be okay cuz he & tess have gone down that route before. She is curious about the world and what lies ahead... but also VERY afraid.

[@claymenefee6999]

I think the snarky-ness is on point

[@sionat29]

She softened up towards Tess pretty quickly and didn't want to abandon her, and earlier with Marlene once she knew what was going on she listened and looked to her for guidance. She is giving me a "showing a rough side as a defense" kind of thing but once you get past that, a loyalty and bond. It will be more impactful with Joel as the season continues, all those moments of them as they go west. Am looking forward to it all.

[@existentialdemo]

i like how bella (despite being much older) has a childlike appearance, and the acting god tier. child actors are so hit or miss, and I love that someone who isn't in their mid-20s is playing believable in this role.

[@antr_]

I love the scene where Tess convinces Joel to run from the museum and Ellie instead of complying like in the game, tries to make Joel let go of her. It's just way more realistic for a kid that doesn't like to be abandoned to try to keep everyone safe instead of just letting Tess sacrifice herself.

[@PenaconyPizza]

I agree! She plays Ellie so well and it’s just waaaay more realistic. She seemed so scared and stressed that it really gave me chills like it was such a good scene

[@wmxx2000]

The way they introduced the fungus "step on one, wake a dozen from far away" is really cool. I almost think the fungus element would have been better in the game. Think, there's a room of clickers and stalkers and you have to get passed them. But like in the show if you kill one another 3-5 enemies spawn looking for you. It would be a cool mechanic more about stealth and distracting the infected.

[@catcactus1234]

I’ve heard the opposite lol. Some people say it’s a great change for the show, but it would be annoying as hell if it were in the games. Imagine trying to stealth, accidentally stepping on some tendril in a completely dark room, and having to deal with swarms of infected because you couldn’t see / navigate without stepping on a tendril.

[@rikorobinson]

I'd take your point about Joel and Tess being cautious a step further. I put myself in their shoes, having lived in that world for 20 years, and I'd think, "Okay, so it affects her differently. Maybe it's just slower to react..." I'd be cautious around Ellie for weeks...MONTHS, even...

[@tj3603]

I love how many contextual details they have in the show. Like in the first episode for a split second you see a bumper sticker on Joel's car, saying he is a military veteran, which explains how he is so good at fighting and surviving.

[@blackpajamas6600]

I was confused, here - I thought Tommy was the vet. Every time we see their truck in motion, it's Tommy who's driving it. Feel like that'd be weird if the vehicle actually belonged to Joel.

[@itsbenniblack6941]

@@blackpajamas6600 I can see why you would feel that way but by Them being close friends it makes you ask "How did they meet and get so close' Sticker on truck explains Military background is involved. This allows most people to say Oh okay that's how they may have met but also explains why both of them are good with survival and weapons.

[@blackpajamas6600]

@@itsbenniblack6941 Friends? Tommy is Joel's brother. Right? At least in the game. I'm 99% positive Tommy is Joel's brother in the game, too.

[@tj3603]

@@blackpajamas6600 you have a point, it possible Tommy is the vet and he shared some of his military tricks with Joel, or they could have served together. But I'm still inclined to think it's a Joel's car and he lets his young brother drive it sometimes. There is only one car in a driveway and garage when they drive off to the school, and they drive in in the same car to save Sara from zombie granny. But, before that Tommy's arrest happens. If it is his car, he would have left it parked somewhere in town by the bar, when he got arrested. In order to return back in the same car Joel would have to take a taxi to that bar, grab the car, ride to police station to release Tommy. It could have happened, but it seam unlikely to me. More plausible is that he jump at the wheel of his own car and drove to the police station, where apocalypse started to unravel.

[@tj3603]

@@itsbenniblack6941 they are brothers, not friends. But yeah, they could have served together, actually.

[@BedeWarnock]

I love some of the theories and noticed things that have come along with the shows new concepts. Like how the virus most likely started in one of the worlds largest grain factories in Jakarta, the fact that Joel and Sarah just missed the chance to eat wheat, Sarah refused the cookies, they never ate pancakes, and Joel forgot the cake. One of them I saw, which could easily be wrong but still interesting, was that the reason the runner/stalker came over to put the fungi in Tess' mouth, was not just to transport it faster but because of the hive mind, it could read the feeling that Tess wanted to kiss Joel but couldn't, the main reason I believe that theory is because if you rewatch you can see the tension.

[@jy_janx1313]

you are right the writers showed the old lady eating cake so we know that flour contained the fungus

[@Conorator]

@@jy_janx1313 The old lady ate biscuits, not cake.

[@joeldanielferraris9380]

It's not a virus btw, it's a fungi infection

[@peterparker9954]

But they could have eaten cookies or bread earlier....it's not like they didn't eat cookies or bread the whole month

[@joeldanielferraris9380]

@@peterparker9954 but the fungi infection only started within a few days not a whole month

[@matthewduncan5037]

I feel like the creators of the show not only understand that this is an ADAPTATION - not a RECREATION - & also understand that this is a show made for new viewers at the end of the day & they’re gonna have a much larger audience. Episode 3 has just solidified this idea in my mind even more. They’re not adapting the games for the people who have played the games, they’re bringing a classic story to an all new group of people who would’ve never got to experience it otherwise

[@donkrkonto]

Both actors playing Sarah and Tess was so good imo and its a shame we wont get to see more of them (unless there will be more flashbacks), hopefully their roles will land them more work in other tv/movies. Either way how good the casting has been so far im really excited about new characters being introduced and the quality of said acting.

[@sagethewild]

Seek out other performances by Anna Torv (Tess) and Nico Parker (Sarah). Nico is at the beginning of her career, but if she is anything like her mother (Thandiwe Newton of Westworld fame) she has a great career to look forward to!

[@maggiburtt7720]

Anna Torv has been in several super series. Fringe was a big hit, Manhunter etc. She does well enough. Nico if anything like her mom will be able to get lots of work. I cannot get OVER how much she looks like Tandiwe. I think many of the gamers here are just a tad bit young to know who these people are....lol. I'm old. ;)

[@JamesWade1021]

“Joel drinks himself into a little nappy nap” had me spit my own drink out 😂 Love this show honestly so excited for episode 3!

[@vidmasterK1]

Was your excitement satisfied with episode 3?

[@JamesWade1021]

@@vidmasterK1 yes

[@Loy_Otterton]

I am 100% comfortable with the changes they made. They make sense.

[@bravesfan1018]

I felt the people who were critical of the Bella Ramsey casting weird af. It always came down to “she doesn’t look like Ellie”. You are correct but in the end performance should matter more but it’s like people don’t give that opportunity. In the end people are critical of a casting of a made up character. Based on how they were written a large majority of the GoT characters castings did not match their book descriptions. Emma Watson does not match Hermione in HP. It’s just illogical. Let the actors embody the character they are cast as.

[@Gr-kk8vd]

I agree. I don't understand why people think that's a valid critique. Especially when Bella has proven to be a phenomenal actor

[@cahpella]

@user-ey4hj3hk3c because they want to find a 14 year old girl hot. Garentee if like a short thin pretty model was ellie instead people would not give a shit :/. It similar to how when ellie was confirmed (SPOILERS FROM HERE ON) Lesbian in the game people were upset mostly bc they didn't like the idea that she would like girls and not men, who they could place themselves as. Kinda like a Y/N situation.

[@maxgrozema1093]

@@cahpella sounds truly like a gamer moment. I'm joking here, but you really put well together my thoughts on this.

[@gnarchillin]

@@cocomilk4846 why did it annoy you that she was a lesbian? what a strange thing to say.

[@calc3961]

@@cocomilk4846 Only thing worse than homophobes are pussies too afraid to outright just say they’re homophobic

[@Weightsss]

Bella sounds way too much as Ellie… it’s scary. Even the grunts she makes.. like… it’s too perfect. Everything is too perfect.

[@gravityslave6277]

Unfortunately she looks like the creepy Girl from Hereditary.

[@willipad2277]

Her forehead isn’t perfect

[@Murph_82]

@Gravity Slave Ellen page would of been a good one but she's a man now 🙄🤣

[@MotorYardtraphik]

@@Murph_82 she’s like 40 now

[@joeywild2011]

@@Murph_82 *he. You don’t refer to a trans man as “she”

[@Arcadian-Nova]

[Adapt: become adjusted to new conditions.] they truly took the meaning of adapting instead of just copying. i like how bella's Ellie gets to be more of a teen, pre-pandemic joel really felt like a young, hard working father. and the show just oozes love for the original source actually foucsing more on the FEEL and the HEART of it all rather than a complete but sloppy copy, a copy wasn't needed after all, but this what we are now geting.... thats Something!

[@blackpajamas6600]

I would hope at least part of its production team loved the original source - Neil Druckmann himself (director of both TLoU games and one of the chief big-wigs at Naughty Dog) helped develop the game for TV. IIRC, he has major writing credits on the show.

[@gFamWeb]

I haven't played the game, but I'm well aware of the story it tells. "Not at her, point it at me", was such a powerful and revealing line. It showed several things: 1. Despite this being a standoff, Joel respects Marlene enough to follow her directions. This coupled with the fact that they obviously know each other adds depth to their history. 2. It shows how much Marlene cares about Ellie and how her character is also self-sacrificial, willing to put her own life on the line over Ellie's. 3. The tone in which she says it isn't commanding or threatening. It's clearly out of care for Ellie and trying to appeal to the side of Joel that *wouldn't* point a gun at a kid. And it's just one line! Her line about bleeding out also endeared me to her character.

[@SidPhoenix2211]

AND throughout that entire scene, EVERYONE has their fingers in the safety position (straight against the side of the gun). Because no one wants to just start shooting. After Joel throws Ellie to the wall, I am pretty sure that he cocks his hammer. Because he doesn't know who or what just came at him. He just acted. But when he gets a second or two to see that it's just a kid, he relaxes a little, and puts the finger in the safety position. Everyone knows each other here and want to resolve things calmly. And Marlene definitely doesn't want bullets to start flying when the HOPE FOR MANKIND is present in this narrow hallway.

[@abishekkumar6724]

In one of the earlier scenes in the radio service place, we see the person say "My son. The smart one, not the other one. God bless him." and it intrigued me how easily the show added realism to a character we're never going to see again. They did not hesitate to give that character a random dialogue just to add on to the connection and immersive-ness we as viewers receive... they had no reason to do that and yet they did.

[@MattPuxty]

Sorry but I think you’ve missed the point. Marlene doesn’t care about Ellie. She cares about what Ellie being immune means.

[@gFamWeb]

@@MattPuxty I mean, you gotta care about a person to some extent to tell someone to not point a gun at them. Not to mention her previous interactions with Ellie definitely seem to point to the fact that she cares about her at least a little.

[@aletserrece]

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeell....it's not really because she cares about Ellie, nonetheless it was masterfully portrayed.

[@ThePingvin61]

Episodes 1&2 - "Can you improve on perfection?" Episode 3 - " Hold my beer!"

[@SILENTVIXXSIN]

They even sound like the characters they portrayed granted one of the actresses who did the voice acting in the game but i was surprised how much they sounded like em. 🤯 And to know that they were told not to play the game is something I didn't know. That's even more awesome.

[@jeremyblackwater439]

That impressed me as well. Even Tommy sounds right.

[@movieoverload]

There were a few moments with Tommy and Joel where I could've sworn it was the original actors from the game.

[@hawaiianpizza9386]

Bella Ramsey did pretty good for having a very heavy British accent

[@SILENTVIXXSIN]

@@movieoverload the voice actor of Tommy is also in the show, ironically enough he's not playing Tommy ( wonder what he thinks hearing himself 🤣 ) Jeffrey Pierce is going to be playing Perry, and the voice actress for Ellie will also be in the show ironically enough playing as Anna Williams, couldn't be happier with this show and the changes they've made enhance the story.

[@SILENTVIXXSIN]

@@hawaiianpizza9386 I know!! That's always mind blowing to me, and Anna Torv ( Tess) damn good acting.

[@mattcollins3591]

I watched the second episode again today on my big screen and just NOW noticed during the “kiss of death” that the tendrils are actually extending into Tess’s mouth as it’s doing its “thing”. I’ve already seen the episode but that little detail alone sent CHILLS down my body. The tension during these two episodes are perfect. It reminds me alot of war of the worlds (2005)

[@newares8140]

Did you noticed the infected says “help me” before the fungus/tendrils kiss?

[@brentloy131]

No bruh, lol too far gone to form words or to speak the English language. You know who was able to muster out a “help me” while being infected? Mr. Addler while paralyzed in his kitchen

[@Ooostun]

@@brentloy131 weren't infected able to speak in the game, it was pretty rare but I remember that happening

[@brentloy131]

@@Ooostun hey yyou know what? I believe I might’ve misspoke. Maybe I’m envisioning it but I feel as though some would more or less “cry out”. A small, particular phrase

[@robotninjashark1684]

I loved Craig and Neil’s explanation. All the fungus wants to do is reproduce. It bites those who run, and it’s gentle with those that accept it. Like most life, it doesn’t want to kill and destroy, it only wants to reproduce.

[@enxgma8085]

Dude, words cannot describe how glad I am to see my favorite games getting a successful adaptation to the televisions. It makes me so delighted the series are only adding to the reputation of the game (which was already amazing btw)

[@mysteryneophyte]

When I saw the flooded out hotel, I thought it was so cool. It took my breath away. Even my dad was only briefly sit with me while I played the game in the front room over the years since he recognized it right away I mean I dude it was awesome.

[@blackpajamas6600]

Right? They've ripped several locations from the game and each one that popped up in the show immediately invoked my memory of playing those levels. The flooded hotel. The wooden deck where that Infected nearly got Joel and Sarah. Sections of the Boston QZ. I have no doubt we'll see more of these level adaptations.

[@kylealexander7024]

The way they do the music, or dont, and the pacing of the basic enviromental sounds get ur heart going without even recognizing it. Took me several watches to realize it. Just like the games

[@Staticjokes]

I'm gutted they took out Joel saying "oh christ" when seeing tess' bite. It really showed a vulnerable & sad side of him at that point. Just a total change in demeanor

[@dakotaeldridge7369]

I do believe you can see the sadness in Joel's eyes in the show when he sees Tess's bite even though it's not verbally stated.With that being said, Joel is a hardened survivor of a brutal world for two decades who has massive amounts of unresolved trauama, so I believe him shutting down emotionally and getting the fuck out of dodge is a much more realistic portrayal of what someone in his position would do in that moment.

[@jonathan0225]

i feel like Pedro's take on a very much emotionally clsoed off/unavailable Joel works well too, espcially within 2 episodes.

[@veezi_]

I agree. But I think the emotion was still there and the directors have definitely thought long and hard about what to cut from the show. Interesting to see what else they subtly change in the future episodes

[@JOK3RC4RDx]

I also think Tess said oops right better in the game small detail but it had way more impact you could feel the sarcasm way more like last thing I need right now is a lecture Joel makes it hit harder imo

[@terrelldurocher3330]

It seems kinda like the mandalorian. He is really closed off emotionally and the helmet makes him facially emotionless but his full body language tells you alot. I think you will find more emotion in the show if you pay attention to body language

[@iiEco-Ryan3166]

Normally I'd say a video like this being made after just 2 episodes have been released is jumping the ship's cannon but for this show I fully agree.

[@heknowswherefranceis4838]

After watching this 3rd episode... fucking hell this show is incredible.

[@johnluvsluna]

Watching Joel and Tess's reaction to Ellie testing positive during the Fedra patrol, it's clear Tess is the one who looks out for Ellie makes sure she comes along and is safe. Joel runs ahead saving himself and only calls for Tess to follow. Tess is the one who harbours hope of the cure, even before she gets bit.

[@supermodestmouse]

the clickers scene were pretty damn good. I was skeptical like you about the spores too. I just feel it gives an aura of...lack of control. but it's been doing well in general. I hope they continue going down this route.

[@bajabl]

The zombie kiss actually made me so sad because you know she was standing there waiting for joel to kiss her bye but instead the infected kissed her 😭

[@maggiburtt7720]

Yup. I'm sure that was part of why they made that choice. Her last moment of intimacy was with the monsters....It's tragic.

[@TabbyeLynne]

Joel even took a step back away from her while she was saying goodbye and looked at her like he was scared of getting infected 🥺

[@maggiburtt7720]

@@TabbyeLynne he started to pull away as soon as he knew she was going to die. He shut the attachment out, or tried to. I don't think he succeeded

[@AaronAnaya]

The show really handles Tess a lot better than the game. Her relationship with Joel, her trepidation but with ultimate faith in Ellie, and her sacrifice are just amazingly done in the show.

[@RogueJyn]

Joel is definitely saddened by losing Tess. You can see it on his face in the state house. And now with ep 3 he had to have a moment by himself when Bill mentioned her in his letter. I gotta be honest. I'm actually heart broken about Tess and Joel. More so than the game

[@highwind1991]

So this is what Game of thrones reader fan base felt like when they were watching those first four seasons with their friends who never read the novels. I know the narrative of the first two last of us games pretty much almost by memory, so it's been exciting to see that the show has not only been nailing those beats but making it work for television. The changes here are absolutely working. I'm pretty amazed that just after two episodes, the last of us has already evolved into event Must see week after week television.

[@kate287]

one of my most favorite things thus far is how joel, sarah, and tommy kept coming so close to eating something containing flour and didn’t get infected by the contaminated food. no pancakes at breakfast, raisin cookies, joel forgetting the birthday cake. grandma was the first to have a cookie and was likely the first to turn in that household. then it all connects back to “patient zero” working at a large flour plant? absolutely beautiful story weaving.

[@Stickarms99]

I remember the actor who plays Joel being in Game of Thrones. I remember loving his character and his performance in that too. So I was really excited to see he was casted to play Joel, and it looks like I was right to be excited! It's not just him though, EVERYONE in this show gives a fantastic performance.

[@joshuasatterwhite9520]

Pedro Pascal? Thats also The Mandolorian

[@PeteOliva]

@@joshuasatterwhite9520 The only issue with Mandalorian is you rarely see him emote. So it's harder to really be moved by his performance, however, he does act well behind the mask for what it is.

[@amishbee2879]

They just made my favourite game into something amazing, it’s honestly art.

[@pollitorsiones]

I haven't play the game, but the actress playing Ellie in the show is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING

[@frankmaliano]

24:58 S1, E3 was a perfect episode. That episode alone can be watched by itself and it would be a great mini movie.

[@queerythingsart1455]

That episode is bitter sweet Heart break incarnate

[@raymondlaspina7870]

Yeah you can watch it as a mini movie or skip it cause it's totally filler

[@Sree5Kanth]

It can only be watched as a mini movie (and an amazing one at that). Adds very little to the main story.

[@hellojam100]

the opening sequence of cordyceps growing in various patterns is really creepy

[@gi2050]

Did you notice that in one of the shots the cordyceps formed the United States?

[@gedrictudio]

Bro made this before episode 3 which was a fucking masterpiece. Part 2 please!

[@CuriousTrotter]

Just wanted to point out how incredible this video is, your pacing and edits are great. You deserve praise for that!

[@james_big_balla3002]

This show really is something not only is it by itself amazing my parents LOVE it so far and genuinely get excited waiting for the next episode but the way it fallows and highlights such key elements of the source material is just chefs kiss don’t even get me started on episode 3 i could write a whole essay on the symbolism and reflections in charecters and and the homage they pay to the source while also telling the best love story I’ve ever witnessed that episode alone can be award winning i really am just so happy it’s going how it’s going i was so hesitant when i heard about it then after the trailer even more hesitant but wow i was wrong and thankfully so this show has resparked my love for the series and brought back the obsession i had for it growing up and even re sparked my love for games in general.

[@TheNomad2727]

Episode 3 took a different turn to what I expected as after the first two episodes I WAS NOT expecting it to contain a really touching love story, but bravo for suprising me

[@jefferybeams145]

Great presentation! Well thought out and presented. You've got yourself a new subscriber.

[@dizzydarling]

i got so violently motion sick during that one of the early scenes where they’re trying to get out of the city while i was playing the game, and they really captured that in the show 🤣

[@SCSAsJorts]

The whole hive mind concept that the show uses instead of the spores honestly makes it more terrifying, cause one wrong move and from miles away borde can just swoop in

[@HerHollyness]

Why would people focus on Bella’s appearance at all? What a weird concept. They’re a young actor with brown hair so they look as much like Ellie as they need to. The main thing is their acting, which we know from their resume is superb. They’ve completely embodied the character and done it fantastically. Also, don’t forget, Ellie’s appearance changed THREE times. Original Ellie looked like Elliot Page prior to the game’s release, then they changed the character model, then PS4 re-release Ellie looked different again, and Part 2 Ellie was different yet again! So getting hung up on the actor’s appearance is ridiculous.

[@mlediting2463]

I personally have the feeling that most people just had a huge crush on Elli and can’t accept that Bella Ramsey doesn’t fit their type…

[@DannyBoy-wr5cj]

changing characters race seems innocent enough but tell me the last commercial nowadays without interracial parents or mixed kids?... I get theyre trying to be "diverse" but its not really that common and just comes across as forced

[@yohanespaskal9352]

@@mlediting2463 most of them are pedo's

[@Ya-rs9mk]

Ellie was a ginger tho, and if you ask me it’s cool that the only person inmune is redhead, which is a pretty uncommon trait. Still, I think Bella is doing a great job so far.

[@abellongoria34]

Because she's literally painful to look at. And her acting sucks anyways. Petulant, bratty, obnoxious, kid. Painful to look at + annoying af is cringe hall of fame

[@EmptyGlass99]

I've never played the game but I am engrossed by the TV series. It had a really strong opening and it's kept it going so far.

[@xxdarkestspawnxx3677]

You literally said everything I ever thought about the show and still do right down to the very detail.

[@remidzian4321]

I love video essays, do more of it, thanks

[@billm3210]

Haven't played the game but this show is really well done and written. I've seen the game back in the days from friends but I do like the more details they have added. It's a show after all but really is pleasant to watch just 2 episodes in.

[@Galacticgospel.]

This is a really detailed video I can tell you love the game too

[@theballadeer]

great vid! i love the analysis, u took the words out of my mouth ✌🏻💗

[@nickrpg3881]

You sir deserve my like, this video essay is a masterpiece on its own

[@WeekendWeakling]

Bella Ramsay said she did end up watching the video game cinematic cutscenes. I honestly think that helped.

[@WorldClassSatanist]

The Last of Us Part 2 is my favorite video game of all time

[@thatkiddanny]

Always a good day when Movie Overload posts. Have a good day man.

[@JTCT371]

Subscribed. Excellent video....I share your thoughts about it...your perception of the show is truthful and someone who doesn't know what TLOU is, can watch this and get an accurate account of what they're about to experience.

[@jjr5453]

episode three is everything

[@lakewaltz]

As someone who's never played the game- this show is SOOOOO GOOD DUDE!!! can't wait for ep 3 but man I've never obsessed over a show so fast!! 😭😭❤️

[@darioscomicschool1111]

Thank you so much for making this. And changing my mind about this to the positive.

[@Okijuben]

The pilot was so good that having never played the game, I found myself immediately going to watch season 1/2 of the video gameplay cut scenes because I needed more Last of Us content. I think it also says something about the excellence of the show that having seen the video game does nothing to diminish the potential allure/intrigue of upcoming episodes. From the extra flashbacks we're seeing to the changes they made with the spores/tentacles, the writing is all so very pristine.

[@Vigilant_Owl]

I was absolutely blown away by the first three episodes of this show. I even convinced my parents to watch it. They don’t play video games and know nothing of the game and they love it!

[@colemayo3852]

What an amazing breakdown👏🏼

[@brentloy131]

How about the horror masterclass put on for us in every scene inside the Addler’s home next door? Mr. Addler most probably heard a loud ruckus coming from the kitchen/hallway area and went to investigate. Calling for his dog no doubt, who wasn’t there. Gets completely rushed by and bitten by someone he’s never even seen stand, let alone flailing about while screeching something awful. Initially Mr. Addler was attacked in the hallway and the ensuing alteration ended close to the front door. Mr. Addler, already infected by a bite on his upper shoulder/neck, used the last of his motor functions to lean himself up against the back kitchen door. Mrs. Addler, with no possibility of NOT hearing all the commotion, walked into the kitchen and was only uninfected long enough to see her husband contorted and twisted at the limbs with blood on him and drapes across the floor.

[@JTCT371]

Both episodes were masterpieces, and its everything I've hoped for. Telling the story to a new audience through the eyes of the gamer. Award winning performances and sets. I feel like Im in the game while watching the show. I hope the show continues down this road. TLOU is one of the greatest stories ever told.

[@Travelling_with_my_dog]

The cast is amazing.

[@gumball2960]

I NEED THE EPISODES NOW! I CANT HANDLE A WEEK LONG ANY LONGER

[@CatcherOfBass]

20:59 can’t help but see that Joel is pointing his muzzle right toward Ellie and Tess lol

[@merchantarthurn]

Couple of things: I loved the line in the mycologist flashback where she asks to go home... after she suggests they bomb the whole city. It's so agonising. The OTHER thing I loved that you didn't mention re: Ellie and Tess: Ellie not wanting to leave Tess also plays into her history with abandonment. She's an orphan, she's been held at arms length by so many adults in her life, she was just starting to warm up to Tess (and is clearly not quite there yet with Joel) - to have her ripped away like that was painful. It's a great bit of consistent character and it's GREAT that it tells you about Joel and Ellie simultaneously

[@lizandraclayres]

I'll have to wait for the end of the season to show it to my mom (she doesn't like waiting for new episodes) but I know she will love it, just like she loves Supernatural. The storytelling is amazing.

[@population-_-420]

Lizandra u sing le? 💞

[@TyTyproductions]

My grandma loves the show. She hasn’t played a console game in her life and she doesn’t like dark things, but she loves it.

[@wilmervalle3110]

Broooooo, you got to make another video essay when season 1 is done. I would love another great video like this one, and lets be honest, this show deserves a second

[@YojimboJames]

Wait the actors DIDN’T play or see the game? That’s extremely impressive.

[@mysteryneophyte]

I like how Tess ( in this show) is ,no doubt about it ,a seriously tough woman she was seriously as tough as anyone we know thats tuff But they never went to make her overly ( masculine) tough or anything she was still a woman she still feminine. That part where she says the line I never ask you to feel like I feel , That, especially felt genuine to me it just rang as true To me. I also agree the worst thing about this show is it’s in small little segments. I wish so badly that I could just binge watch the whole thing because this little episodes are killing me lol.

[@g_g...]

I agree. But the game did it better.

[@rohannalawade3227]

I just completed watching it. The set is beautifully haunting. You see the darkest parts of humanity as well as the endless selflessness of the group. Each and every story line is interesting and satisfying.

[@TheClassof_1992]

The opening of the first episode explaining the what if side of it also connects with watchers because we just got out of a pandemic. It reminds us how quickly this all could spread and how quickly the world would actually end if it were real life.

[@aaandSCENE]

I really wish Uncharted had gotten this treatment, 'cause it deserved it. Man oh man.. this show is going to rock the world.

[@Poughboy285]

Yea that uncharted movie was just god awful. Why was it Tom holland and mark walburger 😂😂😂😂

[@Overused_Toothbrush]

The Last Of Us show is amazing. I went into it just knowing the bare minimum: mushroom zombie show with the Mandalorian and little Mormont who is immune to the mushrooms. The show does such a good job getting you caught up and the first 30 minutes there was this looming dread that “this girl is going to die” and BOY did they execute it so well. Amazing.

[@WriothesleySimp]

my dad loves the games, got both parts, first part remastered, and we absolutely love the show

[@Greg_Abandoned]

Dude, next ep was probably the best tv episode I have ever seen

[@william32811]

the way that the show has opened peoples eyes to the amazing storytelling theyve missed out on is so awesome to see. i have coworkers who’ve never played a game (at least not one like tlou) asking me how they can play it. really makes me happy to see how a story can bring fans of two different mediums together

[@elijahyuboco5635]

I played TLOU part 1, i was just playing while my old man watching my gameplay then my dad was so into it that one morning i found him playing it alone, the game made him asking me how to do stuff or where to go, hell he finished it solidly, those are small memories i got while playing with him, and i bet for a resident evil/Silent Hill veteran himself, (games and medias)he would love this TLOU series.

[@UndeadChallenges]

My questions about if it grows underground, can you even grow food unless it's far north such as Alaska or the Canadian territories? Like wouldnt the spores be in the food grown

[@hanawashere2218]

The 4th episode came out and i watched it last night, the show so far is absolutely amazing!

[@eventer9460]

Watching after episode 5 and I’m so hoping you make another video when the season is completed. I love this show and am really glad you explained the experience between an active played experience vs passive watched experience. I feel like the people complaining about the changes don’t entirely realize the nuance between mediums and that there’s a reason almost every single video game adaptation has been an utter failure. This really does give me hope for future game adaptations, are so many amazing stories that could be told in a film medium!

[@narbwow8168]

Interesting this came out before ep 3, because despite how good the show has been thus far, that episode was a stand-out MASTERPIECE.

[@james_big_balla3002]

Literally still wowed by it I’ve quite literally seen it 9 times already a episode has never been that impactful on me before honestly 1 of my top 10 cinematic episodes ever

[@melvindoo2396]

@@james_big_balla3002 hmm, I think you're saying that because of the subject matter. It was hardly impactful only seeing those characters for 40 minutes, are we supposed to care about them in that time? and it robbed us of bill and ellies relationship along with the school bloater fight

[@james_big_balla3002]

@@melvindoo2396 it didn’t rob us of bill and Ellie’s “relationship” all they do is bicker the whole mission and we’ll see a bloated later in the show I’d much rather a really well written love story that packages the overall themes of the series than some funny commentary and a fight

[@james_big_balla3002]

@@melvindoo2396 and coming from someone who’s always loved bills character seeing him get such a thought out story was impactful. It’s the first time I’ve cried because of a show or movie in years in fact it’s the first time I’ve cried in awhile period. Seeing a gay love story so well crafted that focuses on the actual love and not the tragedy is literally unseen.

[@james_big_balla3002]

@@melvindoo2396 not to mention the insane amount of symbolism and attention to detail and shots in general it’s insanely well crafted and the fact that it’s 40 minutes is what makes it so unique the evoke such strong emotion and story from such a short period of time and really connects you to the charecters i can rant about the symbolism and references in this episode alone for hours

[@Durrutitv]

Smart move recording this before episode 3, would have been difficult getting this done while sobbing.

[@movieoverload]

Ain't that the truth

[@treasuretea3549]

i introduced the show to my friend thru the opening of ep 1 and just skipped over to ep 3 (cause it was just released and i'm very impatient lol) and we were both unexpectedly bawling by the end of the ep. it was phenomenal!

[@ryancorrea6297]

My only thing about the spores not being here is in the second game when Ellie’s mask breaks with Dina. That scene is so dramatic and it kinda brings panic because the secret is revealed. I guess either Ellie will get bitten again or maybe her bite gets revealed or something

[@subasurf]

I really wish we could get more of that Indonesian story but I know it'll never happen. The "bomb" line was chilling.

[@JTCT371]

Love your video....I wasn't crazy about Pedro and Bella being cast for Joel and Ellie at all. Now? Both had obviously researched and embraced our beloved characters.....they are Joel and Ellie.

[@gravityslave6277]

I'm still not cool with the race swapping.

[@JTCT371]

@@gravityslave6277 I dont think it was done for the sake of doing it. I have my theory, we will see if it comes through. I believe for the shows purposes, it will be presented that Joel and Marlene have a longer history than we previously thought...that Marlene is a little older in the show, than she appeared in the game. I dont see much of an age difference looking at the both of them....have had this feeling in my gut about this since I first saw the change in character. Regardless.....it was extremely well done, the actress was awesome as Sara, they've proven that they're going to be faithful to the games (for at least 2 episodes, I dont think its going to stop), and that balance is what is most important. We've seen award winning performances and set design so far....so try not to let that bother you, and enjoy the ride!

[@gravityslave6277]

@@JTCT371 What does Marlene's age in the show have to do with Joel, Sarah and Tommy being race swapped? Why not change Marlene's race? They kept her bIack

[@JTCT371]

@@gravityslave6277 well.....the HBO adaptation has given us 2 masterpieces (and the word is the 3rd episode is THE masterpiece) so far....Im all in. Just like I loved every moment of Part 2 for its anything but linear storytelling, Im loving the new ideas and content directly from the game, which are in perfect balance. Marlene age is important, because in the game she seemed to be significantly younger. Her and Joel seem to be more of the same age in the show. Guess I have to spell it out....lol....for the shows purposes, to me.m it seems that it will be painted that Joel and Marlene knew eachother before the pandemic hit and that they may be Saras parents. I live this idea and hope thats the way that it goes.

[@gravityslave6277]

@@JTCT371 Do I have to spell it out? What does that have to do with Tommy who was also race swapped? Why does Joel need to be Hispanic to have a biracial kid? Why make this show complicated? Why not just leave it as it was? Its unnecessary. Your theory doesnt make any sense. Fact is, if they race swapped people of color with white ones, everyone would lose their minds. But seeing as how you actually liked the 2nd game, I'm not shocked why you bought into this mess. Thanks for the reply.

[@M1A.308]

I envy those who haven’t played the game and don’t know what’s to come!