By Matija Šerić
Over the past fifteen years, the entertainment market has been flooded with horror films and TV series, especially those centered around zombies. Everyone knows The Walking Dead and its spinoffs, particularly Fear the Walking Dead. We’ve also seen zombie-themed movies like World War Z and even the Oscar-winning Parasite (which, though not a zombie movie, taps into similar societal dread). At first glance, the genre of post-apocalyptic zombie fiction might seem overdone, stale, and creatively exhausted. But HBO’s The Last of Us proves otherwise. Just a few frames into the first episode make it clear: this is a masterpiece of the horror genre.
The Best Video Game Adaptation Ever Made
Premiering in January 2023, the show is an adaptation of the iconic 2013 video game of the same name. The original game was groundbreaking and won numerous awards. It’s surprising that the adaptation took so long to arrive—but perhaps that delay was a blessing. In the meantime, the competition has grown tired and formulaic. The Last of Us stands as arguably the greatest video game adaptation ever created. All the powerful elements of the game are faithfully brought to the screen, with additional layers of depth. It’s a refreshing take in terms of storytelling, world-building, production, character development, pacing, and action.
Life After the Apocalypse
The show was developed by Neil Druckmann (creator of the game) and Craig Mazin (known for the brilliant Chernobyl miniseries). Together, they created a breathtaking post-apocalyptic world. The series begins by following the journey of Joel (Pedro Pascal), a hardened middle-aged smuggler, and Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a 14-year-old girl, as they travel across a devastated United States in 2023. The setting is twenty years after the outbreak of a deadly fungal infection that turns people into violent, zombie-like creatures through bites and airborne spores.
Joel is tasked with transporting Ellie—who mysteriously appears to be immune to the infection—to a group of scientists who might be able to develop a cure that could save humanity.
The Last of Us Season 1 Trailer
A Lawless, Dangerous World
Their journey from Boston (Massachusetts) to Salt Lake City (Utah) is filled with peril, and over time, Joel and Ellie—who initially don’t get along—form a deep emotional bond. Their growing friendship feels natural given the countless life-threatening challenges they face. The dangers don’t come only from infected monsters or zombie hordes; humans, in fact, pose the greatest threat.
With the collapse of law and order, many people have abandoned any moral compass, turning to violence and crime to impose power over others. The formal government, represented by FEDRA, has descended into classic totalitarianism. Along their journey, Joel and Ellie are joined by other significant characters, each bringing depth and emotion to the story. The show explores themes of friendship, love, loss, survival, and moral ambiguity in a time when humanity is hanging by a thread.
Light in the Darkness
The visual portrayal of a ravaged America is hauntingly beautiful. Entire city blocks lie in ruins, evoking the aftermath of a nuclear blast. A particularly moving scene features giraffes roaming freely in Salt Lake City—an innocent moment of joy amidst devastation. It’s a poetic interlude in a world drenched in violence. A similar moment of tenderness occurs when Ellie and her best friend Riley explore an abandoned shopping mall—laughing, playing, dancing, and discovering their feelings for each other.
Brilliant Characters
What truly sets The Last of Us apart is its deep character development. These aren’t just action heroes—they’re people with pasts, beliefs, and moral struggles. Joel and Ellie are richly drawn, but so are supporting characters like Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett). Bill, a survivalist and conspiracy theorist, had been preparing for the apocalypse his whole life—and when it arrived, he thrived, carving out his own version of a good life. Frank is the man Bill saves, and their relationship is one of the show’s most touching arcs.
A Cast That Feels Like Family
Family is a central theme in the series. Ellie and Joel form a father-daughter bond, though they share no blood. Their relationship shows how chosen family can mean everything in a broken world. Other characters, too, seek safety and connection in makeshift families. The cast—Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Kaitlyn Dever, and others—deliver standout performances. HBO is known for top-tier productions, and this one reminds us just how good prestige television can be.
The Last of Us Season 2 Trailer
Perfectly Paced
The show’s pacing is masterfully balanced. It’s not just constant gunfights or monster attacks. Action scenes are interspersed with moments of reflection, exploration, or calm within safe havens. It never drags, and we’re always learning more about what drives each character’s choices.
Spectacular Action
When combat does erupt, it’s intense and meaningful—not violence for its own sake. Both heroes and villains are vulnerable. There are no guaranteed survivors, and every confrontation carries real consequences. One particularly epic moment comes in Season 2, Episode 3, Through the Valley, where residents of a seemingly safe Wyoming community must defend themselves against a massive horde. The large-scale battle, complete with top-notch special effects, evokes comparisons to Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings.
A Resounding Success
So far, The Last of Us has released 16 episodes—nine in Season 1 and seven in Season 2. The pilot episode alone was viewed by 40 million people in its first two months. The Season 2 premiere attracted 37 million viewers in the same timeframe. The show has won eight Emmy Awards to date, and more are likely on the way. Critics have praised it, with a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Season 3 is slated for release in 2027, and expectations remain sky-high.
In a world dominated by profit and greed, The Last of Us offers something rare: a story about goodness, sacrifice, and the enduring power of human connection. It’s exactly the kind of masterpiece today’s audience was waiting for.
