The Last Of Us Episode 1 Review - 9 Ups & 1 Down

Bella Ramsey presented an intriguing casting choice when she was announced as HBO's pick to portray Ellie.

While already known to global audiences for her star-making turn as Lyanna Mormont on Game of Thrones, Ramsey's character in that context was primarily designed for comic relief and a few badass moments. Taking on the endlessly dark and complex role of Ellie appeared to represent uncharted territory for the 19 year old actress.

Or so this writer foolishly assumed. While she doesn't actually appear until the episode's second half, Ramsey is mesmerizing as Ellie. The perfect mixture of foul-mouthed defiance and guarded vulnerability, the actress is simply magnificent in her new role.

The former Lady of Bear Island appears to be an absolutely inspired choice of casting to carry this legendary character from Playstation consoles to television screens, commanding every scene she appears in and playing off her co-star with polished ease.

Conveying the effortless chemistry between Ellie and Joel appeared an unenviable task of the utmost importance, but Ramsey assuages much of those concerns in the short time she appears on-screen with Pascal. The first signs of the inimitable rapport between the two doesn't take long to appear, as Ellie smugly figures out Joel's radio code.

As the dust settles from the first episode, the prospect of this outrageously talented actress against the backdrop of the video game's most immortal sequences is almost too exciting for words.