The Last of Us (2023)

The critic calls it a fantastic drama in its own right that surpasses expectations for a video game adaptation. They single out the perfect casting and chemistry of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey as Joel and Ellie for praise.

This desperately moving drama set in a zombie-ravaged US is a phenomenal blend of horror and heart, with a cast that could not be more perfect. It manages to find humanity in the ruins through its balance of horror and heart, with standout performances from Pedro Pascal and especially Bella Ramsey.

The critic declares it by far the best video game adaptation ever made and very good simply as TV. They single out the central relationship and the standout third episode (directed by Peter Hoar) as what elevates the series toward something truly special.

The critic calls the series an exhilarating reinvention of the zombie apocalypse genre that succeeds due to its heart and story. They single out the intimate and profound father-daughter relationship between Joel and Ellie, brought to life by stellar performances from Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.

The series is top-tier television and the best game-to-screen adaptation yet, staying true to its source while broadening the narrative into thoughtful, high-class drama that is at times horrifying.

The critic finds it a promising and moving zombie saga with strong central performances. They single out the dynamic between Ellie and Joel, along with the show's ability to make viewers care about its characters, for praise.

The finale delivers a stunning, morally ambivalent ending that echoes the game, pulling viewers in two directions about Joel's choices. It sets up a darker second series while highlighting the extraordinary performances, particularly Bella Ramsey's.

The finale features moments of beauty descending into a whole lot of bloodshed in a brutal showdown, with the acting excellent and production design extraordinary. It remains morally capricious and leaves the series poised for more.

The series is a gripping, ambitious, and well-made adaptation that succeeds in translating the game to television despite familiar post-apocalyptic tropes. It stands out most for its patient study of relationships, especially Joel and Ellie’s evolving dynamic, and for thoughtful detours like the Bill and Frank episode.

The critic calls the series one of the best video game adaptations ever made and one of the best shows of 2023, praising how it retains the game's emotional power while deepening characters and relationships through strong performances by Pascal and Ramsey and thoughtful expansions. It demonstrates how adaptations should be handled with care and creativity.

The episode is one of the best hours of television in recent memory and proof that the series is the best video game adaptation ever made. It builds on the game by expanding Bill and Frank's relationship into a moving, intimate story of love and loss that feels natural and dignified.

The review calls the series a compelling and fantastically acted adaptation that rises to the challenge of its source material. It highlights the standout third episode directed by Peter Hoar as an emotionally intimate high point that unites fans and newcomers.

The critic praises the ultra-faithful HBO adaptation of the video game as fresh and emotionally powerful despite familiar elements, highlighting the strong chemistry between Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey and the moving central relationship. Some supporting characters feel underused, but overall it succeeds as compelling television.

The HBO adaptation elevates its video game source material through strong performances and a focus on human survival rather than mere zombie horror. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey are singled out for breathing new life into the central characters.