The Last of Us Review

 

Some shows come along that just get you—The Last of Us is one of those. This series had me locked in from the start, and honestly, if I ever found myself in this post-apocalyptic world, I’d be dead on day one. No doubt. But watching these characters navigate the chaos? Absolutely mesmerizing.

First, let’s address the Game of Thrones connection because, wow, talk about emotional trauma. Bella Ramsey, who stole our hearts (and our respect) as Lyanna Mormont, and Pedro Pascal, the charming yet tragically short-lived Oberyn Martell, reunite here as Ellie and Joel. And yes, their characters’ fates in GoT still haunt me. But in The Last of Us, they bring something entirely new—raw emotion, undeniable chemistry, and the kind of survival-driven bond that keeps you glued to the screen.

Pedro Pascal nails it as Joel, the hardened, reluctant father figure who's seen too much loss to believe in hope. And Bella Ramsey? An absolute force as Ellie—smart, feisty, and somehow still carrying a glimmer of optimism despite growing up in a world where fungal zombies are a legit problem.

Speaking of their world, let’s talk about the nightmare fuel that is the Cordyceps infection. Civilization collapsing under the weight of mutated, grotesque Clickers (the most horrifying monsters I never want to meet), quarantine zones barely hanging on, and humanity reduced to desperate factions fighting for survival. And yet, somehow, people still find ways to live, love, and push forward. It’s both terrifying and fascinating.

Now, despite never playing the video game, this series has convinced me I need to try—if only to see how long I’d last. My guess? Not very. But the storytelling, the emotional depth, and the sheer tension-packed journey of Joel and Ellie make this adaptation stand out as a masterpiece.

Whether you're a longtime fan of the game or going in completely blind, The Last of Us is worth every minute. The performances are gripping, the world-building immersive, and the emotional gut punches relentless. Highly recommend—just maybe don’t watch it before bed unless you're cool with Clicker-induced nightmares. I give this series 5 out of 5 acorns.