The Last of Us skillfully employs environmental storytelling to vividly depict its post-apocalyptic world, revealing silent yet impactful narratives through landscapes and objects.
HBO’s The Last of Us, an adaptation of the critically acclaimed video game, stands out not just for its gripping narrative but also for its masterful use of environmental storytelling.
This article delves into how the series uses its settings, props, and background details to weave a rich, unspoken narrative that enhances the viewer’s experience.
Setting the scene: Post-apocalyptic landscapes
One of the most striking aspects of The Last of Us is its portrayal of a world ravaged by a pandemic.
The series excels in using its environments to tell a story of collapse and survival. The desolate urban landscapes, overrun by nature, speak volumes about the world’s downfall.
For instance, scenes set in an abandoned city, with buildings engulfed in vegetation, visually narrate the years of neglect and the overpowering force of nature in the absence of human upkeep.
Props as narrators
In The Last of Us, everyday objects are used to convey poignant narratives. A scene where Joel, Ellie, Henry, and Sam discover an abandoned underground school serves as a great example.
The toys spread on the table, the drawings on the walls, and the rules written on the board silently narrate the story of the people who once lived there, offering a glimpse into how people took shelter after Outbreak Day.
This use of props adds depth and emotion to the environment, making it a character in its own right.
Background details: Telling the untold
The show pays close attention to background details, which often tell their own untold stories.
Graffiti on the walls, notices pinned on community boards, and abandoned campsites each have a story to tell.
These elements, while not directly addressed in the dialogue, provide context and background to the world of The Last of Us, enriching the primary narrative and offering viewers a more immersive experience.
Contrast in environments
Contrasting environments in The Last of Us serve to highlight the emotional journey of the characters.
The shift from the oppressive, dark interiors of abandoned buildings to the expansive, bright outdoors reflects the characters’ emotional states and the changing dynamics of their journey.
This contrast in settings is not just a change in scenery but a tool to convey the inner turmoil or relief experienced by the characters.
In conclusion: Unspoken narratives
The environmental storytelling in HBO’s The Last of Us plays a crucial role in immersing the audience in its post-apocalyptic world.
By using settings, props, and background details to convey unspoken narratives, the series adds layers of depth and meaning to its storytelling.
This approach not only enhances the narrative but also allows viewers to explore and interpret the story beyond what is explicitly presented, making The Last of Us a standout example of storytelling in television.
In The Last of Us, every environment, every object, and every background detail is meticulously chosen to contribute to the story, making the series a masterclass in environmental storytelling.
Also Read: The tactics of survival in The Last of Us