1. Kicking Us When Were Down: The Epilogue Sequence
After taking Ellie from the Firefly lab, we find both characters on a hill overlooking Tommys community. We can assume that the two of them are about settle at this point. However, before this can happen, Ellie needs some clarification from Joel about the intention of the Fireflies. He tells Ellie that the Fireflies had given up on looking for a cure; theyd tried multiple times, with multiple people who were immune and failed. After spending the duration of a year with Ellie, building this strong relationship, he looks into her eyes and lies to her. He doesnt explain the irrational choice that he made. He doesnt explain that he kills Marlene another person that Ellie cared for. Its a happy ending for Joel. Hes found restoration as he stares out onto the small-town. His infection appears to be cured. Hes about to repair relationships with those from his past that he once distanced himself from, starting with his brother Tommy. Also he has something to fight for in Ellie - he finally has the daughter companion that he lost twenty years ago. However, in contrast its a bitter ending for Ellie. She recites all those that shes cared for and lost - her best friend Riley, Tess and Sam and says to Joel that shes waiting for her turn, meaning her exit from the world. Her whole expectation throughout this journey was that she believed she had the potential to rescue mankind, bring it back to utopia, and that thought has been seized by a man she puts complete trust in, thus alienating her from the truth. Ellie leaves The Last Of Us the way Joel begins it. Shes infected, both literally with the Cordyceps virus, thatll stigma her always and metaphorically with the grief of those she feels responsible for and the rupture shes presented with. We know Joel was able to combat his own grief for twenty years to survive in this world but we know some people cant endure that sorrow. When Sam is killed, Henry takes no moment to debate on his next step; he simply kills himself. There was nothing for him in this world once he lost the only thing worth fighting for. When Ellie turns and just murmurs Okay, my heart sank because I fear shes been tortured by this whole experience; shell never get to witness the world she occasionally mocked but loathed to see one day. My only desire for Ellie once the title cuts to black is that she finds the strength to continue going, finding closure in the words Joel says to her You find something to fight for, but seeing how shes been stripped of that fight and how restoration arrives in small quantities, I fear the worst. At least Joel is happy though, right? Did you love The Last Of Us? Share your feelings below in the comments.