When we first meet Ellie of The Last of Us, she’s held captive by Marlene and the Fireflies and placed under observation. Who was she prior to meeting Joel and Tess? How did she get bit in the first place? On tonight’s episode we dive into her backstory.
Based off of the season so far, I always saw Ellie as someone with a chip on her shoulder, and beneath the smart mouth and attitude, was someone whose bark was worse than her bite. She is always quick to prove her toughness and has a bit of an obsession with guns. However, watching her at the FEDRA academy makes me reconsider. Ellie can more than hold her own dealing with a much larger bully, and we also see her more realistic side. She might not agree totally agree with current authorities, but sees the utility in the life of an officer.
One of the reasons Ellie is more aggressive than usual is because of the absence of a friend. We are soon introduced to her old roommate Riley (Storm Reid) who ran away. From the minute she appears on screen, you can sense their closeness. Their interactions and playful back and forth show that even in the cordyceps apocalypse of The Last of Us, kids will always be kids. Despite their extra caution, there is a respite from the depression and coldness of the world. They sneak out past curfew, get their hands on booze, and like any teen, head out to the mall.
The Last of Us delivers a moving young love story. You don’t need to know the details of the pair’s past because the present helps paint the picture of their relationship. Some of the smaller moments help build to the emotional first kiss. A slight stumble that leads to being caught in one’s arms. A quick glance at a reflection to fix their hair. The ways they look at each other easily convey deeper feelings. The photo booth scene provides a sweet opportunity for Ellie and Riley to be silly together while also being in close contact. It’s even a bit like Romeo and Juliet but instead of Montagues and Capulets, you have FEDRA and Fireflies.
Though the episode pays respect to the original The Last of Us: Left Behind downloadable content, the changes are very effective in developing the romance. Instead of two teens wandering an abandoned mall together marveling at all the things they see, it’s a deliberate and well thought out first date. The lighting of the carousel and accompanying cover of A-ha’s “Take On Me” creates this dream like haze that at least for one night, the pair can escape. Their dance sequence is cute watching both let their guard down to unwind and the masks add to the fun and their innocence.
When Ellie finally asks her friend not to leave, there is so much sadness and pain in Bella Ramsey’s voice. It would be difficult for anyone, let alone her best friend, to turn your back on her. You feel Ellie and Riley could take on the whole world, but we already know that there is no happy ending. At least they spent all that time until Riley’s final moments together. It’s both a fitting act of rebellion and a gesture of their commitment that they see it out until the end. Another young romance ending in tragedy.
The Last of Us does well to parallel this story with Ellie and Joel in the present. It would be poor form if she left her friend in his time of need, especially with her causing a scene in the previous episode when he was ready to pawn her off to his brother. Once she lets you in past her rough exterior, Ellie is very loyal to those she connects with. She’ll stick by your side and do everything she can to help you. That little hand grip by Joel says so much in gratitude and love.
Ellie’s backstory is a stirring yet tragic story about young love that helps inform you about the character while drawing parallels to the current situation with Joel.
New episodes of The Last of Us air Sundays on HBO.
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