'Last of Us’ on HBO

The new HBO series “The Last of Us”, based on the captivating video game series by the same name, first released in 2013, has been transformed onto streaming platforms with its premiere on Jan. 15.

The action and adventure game series, developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony, lets gamers control a smuggler named Joel Miller tasked with transporting teenage girl, Ellie Williams, across a post-apocalyptic US.

The game is played from a third-person perspective. Players use firearms, improvised weaponry and stealth to defend themselves against humans and cannibalistic creatures infected by a mutated fungus.

The relationship between Ellie and Joel is the focal point of the game. Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson portrayed the duo through voice and motion capture in the game.

The dramatic new TV show provides a remarkable mix of horror and intensity, elevated by an incredible cast. A breathtaking adaptation of one of the most impactful stories told in video games, it brings Joel and Ellie’s journey to a whole new audience, while taking the essence of what made the original tale so enduring. The series also builds out the world of the game, even switching up some aspects to create a stunning new dynamic.

The performance is anchored by the outstanding lead performances from Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal.

Ellie is the charming, driving force of the show, acting as a reminder to Joel of what he has lost since the apocalypse, while also providing him with a sense of purpose. Bella Ramsey leaves a lasting impact as Ellie, effortlessly shifting between vulnerability, determination and youthful excitement.

Pedro Pascal brilliantly embodies the character of smuggler Joel Miller, acting as a foil to Ellie’s youthful charm. He is quiet, displaying powerful emotions with merely a look on his face. Pascal is fearless and emotionless when faced with adversity, and able to represent all sides of Joel’s personality, which ranges from warm and caring to ruthless and violent.

The shape of the story will be familiar to anyone who has played the game previously, but it still offers surprises with constant alterations of the main storyline, highlighting the danger that lurks within the post-apocalyptic world.

For example, Bill’s character, played by Nick Offerman, is given new depth, as one handwritten note from the game is expanded into a remarkable piece of entertainment in the form of heartbreaking, apocalyptic love.

The plot stays true to the original story for the most part, but does occasionally stray away to shine a light on previously unexplored corners of the world.

Certain shots or lines of dialogue will have players doing their best Leonardo DiCaprio impressions by pointing at the TV, fitting in perfectly with the aesthetic of the show.

A diligent use of flashbacks paints a bigger picture of the world and provides context through societal snapshots of life both before and after the fungus mutation.

The show presents two hallmark episodes that push queer relationships to the center of the series to celebrate them.

Given the post-apocalyptic setting that suffocates any kind of happiness, these rare sparks of life and love are all the more impactful and make the show incredi- bly diverse and captivating. Visual effects, like paint scabs and fungal veins, are the cherry on top to an already brilliant show.

The hectic, tense nature of the story is emphasized by limited still camera shots, and the show focuses on the fallout of violence over the actual violence itself.

But the best aspect of the show are the audio effects: the echoing of gunshots ring out, along with distant cries and nearby, unsettling clicks which echo throughout a world so quiet that any sound is cause for concern.

Additionally, the original score of the game provides familiar refrains from Gustavo Santaolalla’s iconic soundtrack, singing in harmony with original pieces during the most action-packed moments of the show.

Neil Druckmann, who wrote and co-directed the original game, assisted Craig Mazin with the scriptwriting for the nine-episode season. Given the immediate success of the show, it was renewed for a second season.

More than 4.7 million viewers across platforms watched the premier on day one, and over 22 million people joined in on the first 12 days.

Overall, the show is one of the best live-action adaptation of a video game. It is very appealing to fans of the game, and even those who haven’t played, considering the show encapsulates all aspects of thrilling, captivating and dramatic television.