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The review embargo on HBO’s The Last of Us ended today, and you can check out some of the international media alerts below.
First of all, remember that this is the series as a whole (the first season) and not just the first episode.
The Last of Us series premieres on HBO and HBO Max on January 15, 2023.
A stunning adaptation of one of the most compelling stories told in video games, HBO’s The Last of Us brilliantly brings Joel and Ellie’s journey to a whole new audience. It takes the essence of what made the original story so enduring and builds the world of the game while also changing some aspects to almost utterly breathtaking effect. Anchored by two superb leads from Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal, it offers an enriching show for fans of the PlayStation hit while managing to be exciting for newcomers.
Good:
- Incredible performances from the entire cast
- Largely fairly faithful, but where it differs is additive and excellent.
- Reveals supporting characters in memorable new ways that justify the entire project
- Keeps the game close by using the same music that has a big impact
Poorly
- Some of the shotforshot scenes lose their appeal since the game itself is already so cinematic.
There’s a nagging feeling that some minor dialogue changes were made just for the sake of change, and it’s hard for me, as someone who’s digested the game thoroughly for years, to analyze whether they work any better. From my first guess they look like lateral changes, not worse, not necessarily better. Viewers inside will notice and, like me, wonder why these changes were made when the original lines conveyed the same information and emotion.
But as someone who admires the original game and what it accomplished, HBO’s The Last of Us is still a fascinating and entertaining journey through an ancient tale of family adventures, powered by actors who honor the original vision. Comparing the two stories and the artistic choices made to set the show apart from the game, I have to admit: the HBO version steals the show at times.
HBO’s The Last of Us is by far the best video game adaptation ever made for the big or small screen.
Easily the best video game adaptation of all time: one that delves deeper into the game’s dystopian lore while staying true to its emotional core. Like the game, it’s also a masterpiece.