Latest news with #TheLastofUs'
Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
‘The Last of Us' has a ‘Bear' problem. The show's biggest Emmys hurdle, explained
Why do you watch 'The Last of Us'? For the postapocalyptic horror? Because you played the game? Or for tips on how to be a good dad, save for the part about lying to your daughter that you didn't slaughter a bunch of innocent people to save her? How you answer might determine your feelings about the HBO series as it looks to repeat the success its first season achieved at the 2023 Emmys. I'm Glenn Whipp, columnist for the Los Angeles Times, host of The Envelope newsletter and a guy who knows the downside to eating a clock. (It's time-consuming.) Let's talk about 'The Last of Us.' If a TV series delivers two of the best hours of the television season, how many Emmys should it win? I'm not talking about 'The Bear,' which caught a lot of grief for its third season last year, even though it boasted a couple of episodes that were among its best. This is about 'The Last of Us,' which ended its second season Sunday with a reset that left some people unsatisfied, even with the promise of more Kaitlyn Dever to come. (Never a bad thing.) But then, that's what happens when you kill off Pedro Pascal's Joel, the character Dever in our recent conversation called 'the love of everyone's life.' Imagine if a couple of episodes into the next season of 'The Pitt,' Noah Wyle's Dr. Robby got in the middle of a fracas in the hospital's waiting room and ... no. I can't even finish this sentence. I'm not putting that out into the universe. 'The Last of Us' was hindered by the same structural issue that left many people growling about 'The Bear' last year. Both series delivered arcs that were essentially the first parts of two-season storylines. When we next pick up with 'The Last of Us,' the focus will be on Dever's Abby, seeing Seattle's dire, dangerous world through the point of view of the young woman who killed Joel to avenge her father's death. By the end, we will presumably see the fruition of the showdown between Abby and Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a resolution many were expecting in the Season 2 finale. We're just going to have to wait. How much of the show's audience will stick around is open to question. Viewership was down for this year's finale, with many casual fans tapping out of the series now that Pascal is gone. For them, this season's soul-crushing sixth episode, 'The Price,' covering Joel and Ellie's years between their arrival in Jackson and his death, was The End. When did you cry during that episode? Better question: When weren't you crying? HBO has submitted Pascal once again as a lead actor, even with his diminished presence in the second season. He and Ramsey were the faces on the series' marketing, and Pascal dominated the two episodes mentioned at the outset, the two hours that elevated the season, if not into greatness, at least into appointment viewing. 'The Last of Us' earned 24 nominations for its first season, winning eight. That's not going to happen again, but the series still should be a force in the categories it took in 2023 — visual effects, editing, sound and prosthetic makeup. It also won both drama guest acting Emmys, with Nick Offerman and Storm Reid winning. That could happen again as Dever and Jeffrey Wright are strong contenders for their intense efforts. Like Offerman and Reid, they both had death scenes, but they were the ones dishing it out. Look for Catherine O'Hara and Joe Pantoliano to join them in the guest races. I'd love a Season 3 flashback episode detailing that married couple's lives in Jackson. What would have been Gail's last words to Eugene? Did he want her forgiveness? What exactly did he do? Or maybe she's just really good with words? She is played by Catherine O'Hara. I'll be raising a glass to both of them Emmy nominations morning. Bold prediction: 'The Last of Us' Season 2 ends up with 20 nominations and six wins. It's 6 a.m. in Brisbane, Australia, and Kaitlyn Dever is thinking about going to the beach. Except it's pouring rain outside, which is the only reason she had the option to check out the waves in the first place. The deluge has delayed her call time for 'Godzilla x Kong: Supernova,' the monster movie she's been shooting for the past couple of months. Just how hard is it raining? Like a normal downpour? Or is it the kind of deluge we see in the final minutes of the season finale of 'The Last of Us'? 'It's actually pouring like the finale of 'The Last of Us,'' Dever says, laughing. With the beach off the menu, we had plenty of time recently to settle in and talk about the bruising season finale of 'The Last of Us.' Dever shot the episode more than a year ago, capping an eventful stint on the show that began just four days after her mother's funeral. 'I was terrified,' Dever told me. 'I had spent so much time contemplating my mom's death before she died, thinking about how I wouldn't be able to go on. I couldn't imagine. And then it's a heartbreaking thing to think about, how life moves on. And you have the choice to keep going or not go to Vancouver and do the show that she was so excited about me doing. And then after she passed, I realized there's no part of me that couldn't not do this. I had to do it for her.' You can read the full conversation here.
Tatler Asia
a day ago
- General
- Tatler Asia
How to build an apocalypse-ready home: 5 essential design strategies for disaster resilience
Above Jackson, Wyoming in 'The Last of Us' is a self-sufficient commune years in the making, and resilient of disasters (Photo: HBO Max) Even more immediate is the climate catastrophe already happening and accelerating. With 2023 and 2024 recorded as the hottest years globally, Earth has crossed the 1.5 degree celsius warming threshold earlier than expected, with projections suggesting 2 degree celsius warming by century's end remains likely if current emission trends continue. Don't miss: Why is it important to build homes that withstand climate change? As climate stress intensifies, the risk of civil unrest is expected to rise in the most affected regions with economic inequality, political instability, resource scarcity, and social grievances serve as catalysts for such disruption. Recent years have witnessed increased protests and unrest globally, linked to economic pressures and environmental crises. While context-dependent, civil unrest represents a plausible consequence of worsening global crises. If you're prepared for a zombie plague, you're prepared for most natural disasters. - Max Brooks, author of 'The Zombie Survival Guide' and 'World War Z' - Though we cannot predict how, when, or if an apocalypse might occur, we can certainly prepare to withstand extreme, long-term disruptions to modern infrastructure–whether from natural disasters, war, societal collapse, or other worst-case scenarios. Read more: World Humanitarian Day: These inspiring organisations address the needs of vulnerable Asian communities Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is the foundation for self-sufficient living that incorporates technologies and design principles to guard against uncertain futures–one that many industries have already implemented, offering parallels we can draw upon. Through prudent planning, we can start laying the groundwork for modern apocalypse-ready homes that withstand an increasingly unpredictable world. Location strategy Above High-density cities may offer superior access to supplies but pose significant risks (Photo: Unsplash) Above Major urban centres experienced rapid virus transmission and supply shortages (Photo: Unsplash) While high-density cities offer superior access to supplies, they pose significant risks. This became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when major urban centres experienced rapid virus transmission and supply shortages due to population density, whilst rural and highland areas suffered fewer cases and less disruption. See also: Cover Story: Professor Dato' Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman weighs in on drug policy reform, higher education and overcoming challenges The World Bank notes that 'urban areas offer greater access to healthcare, supplies, and infrastructure, but higher population density increases vulnerability to contagion, social unrest, and supply chain disruptions.' According to the organisation, urban population expected to exceed 6.8 billion by 2050, these vulnerabilities will only intensify. Conversely, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) observes that 'rural and highland areas offer lower population density, greater food security through agriculture, and easier perimeter control, making them more resilient to crises.' Above A waterfront home built on stilts in Jakarta, Indonesia by K-Thengono Design Studio (Photo: Mario Wibowo) Location choice extends beyond urban versus rural considerations to encompass terrain and elevation factors. Selecting land above floodplain elevation and away from coastal areas proves vital for reducing flood and storm surge risks. This principle becomes especially critical as climate change increases extreme weather frequency. Don't miss: Home tour: A waterfront home in Jakarta built on stilts to mitigate land sinking Properties on or near unstable slopes present particular hazards, with landslide risks intensifying during monsoon seasons. However, traditional Southeast Asian architecture offers proven solutions for flood-prone zones. Raising homes on stilts or elevated platforms–as embodied in vernacular architecture across Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines–provides effective protection against seasonal floods and storm surges, representing centuries of refined wisdom in tropical resilience design. Resilient architecture Above The bahay kubo in the Philippines flourishes in tropical, often isolated environments () Drawing from both time-tested wisdom and contemporary innovation, the shift towards sustainably built homes represents a promising trajectory for structures designed to thrive amid climate change. Southeast Asian vernacular architecture provides invaluable insights for resilient, sustainable construction. Read more: How architect Andra Matin's unconventional designs are reshaping Indonesia's built environment Traditional homes such as the bahay kubo in the Philippines and rumah adat in Indonesia have evolved over centuries to flourish in tropical, often isolated environments. These structures incorporate flood resilience through elevated stilts and natural ventilation whilst utilising locally sourced materials–principles that remain remarkably relevant today. Above Brick is robust and low-maintenance, suitable for tropical climates (Photo: Lin Ho) Above Exposed concrete walls at Vista House by Hier Architects (Photo: Fabian Ong) Meanwhile, Tropical Brutalism–a fusion of raw concrete and tropical design principles–is gaining recognition for its durability and climate responsiveness. This approach features the exposed concrete, brick, and steel characteristic of traditional Brutalist structures, but adapts these robust, low-maintenance materials specifically for tropical climates prone to humidity, storms, and heat. See also: 7 stunning Brutalist homes redefining Southeast Asian architecture Concrete's thermal mass regulates indoor temperatures by absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night, whilst simultaneously providing structural durability against natural disasters and security threats. Both concrete and brick offer the dual benefits of wide availability and weather resistance–crucial considerations for long-term resilience. Above IDCandy's project features vent blocks to facilitate airflow and provide privacy (Photo: The Space Storyteller) Above An open, light-filled home by Tangu Architecture allow cross-ventilation (Photo: Tang Hsiao Seak and Steven Ngu) Above A home designed by Futurground with generous overhangs (Photo: Ameen Deen) Above Distinctive brise-soleil louvres at Kemaris House by DRTAN LM Architect (Photo: Lin Ho) Furthermore, effective tropical design prioritises natural climate control through cross-ventilation, which reduces indoor temperatures naturally and minimises air conditioning requirements. Architectural elements such as overhangs and louvres provide essential shade whilst promoting airflow, creating comfortable interior environments without energy-intensive cooling systems. Don't miss: 15 best green homes in Malaysia Additionally, reinforcing windows and doors with steel bars or rebar mesh protects against both break-ins and debris impact during extreme weather events. In typhoon-prone regions, storm shutters serve as essential protection, shielding windows from flying debris whilst reducing structural damage. Self-sufficient energy and water Above When electricity grids fail, they trigger cascading failures across other critical infrastructure (Photo: Pexels) Power and water supplies rank among the first essential services to fail during large-scale disasters or infrastructure collapse. In crisis scenarios–whether triggered by natural disasters, civil unrest, or infrastructure failure–electricity grids prove highly vulnerable, and, when they fail, trigger cascading failures across other critical infrastructure. Read more: The future of architecture: 5 sustainable buildings changing the skyline Water supply systems, critically dependent on electricity for pumping, treatment, and distribution, typically cease functioning within hours or days. Water pressure drops, pumps fail, and treatment facilities can no longer purify or deliver water, creating profound impacts on health, sanitation, and survival. Above Solar panels provide reliable, renewable energy (Photo: Unsplash) Above Manual hand pumps provide access to water sources (Photo: Pexels) The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) recommends that 'a robust off-grid solar setup with lithium-ion battery banks, such as the Tesla Powerwall, provides reliable, renewable energy whilst reducing dependence on unstable grids.' Furthermore, solar systems prove particularly viable in Southeast Asia's sun-rich environment, offering year-round energy generation potential. See also: Hypermarket chain TF Value Mart partners Plus Xnergy as part of its carbon-neutral strategy Layered backup systems should be in place as well. Diesel or propane dual-fuel generators provide secondary power sources, whilst manual hand-crank or pedal generators serve as tertiary options for essential devices during extended outages. For rural properties, the FAO advocates biogas systems as sustainable energy solutions. Kitchen waste or animal manure can generate cooking fuel, reducing reliance on external supply chains whilst managing organic waste effectively. Photo 1 of 2 Collection tanks combined with UV filters or ceramic drip filters ensure reliable potable water supplies (Photo: Pexels) Photo 2 of 2 Properties with access to groundwater benefit from additional security measures (Photo: Pexels) Rainwater harvesting represents a particularly suitable water strategy for tropical climates with abundant precipitation. Modular collection tanks combined with UV filters or ceramic drip filters ensure reliable potable water supplies independent of municipal systems. Don't miss: Home tour: A tropical courtyard bungalow designed to be a family oasis in Malaysia Also, properties with access to groundwater benefit from additional security measures, offering enhanced reliability during extended infrastructure disruptions. Deep wells equipped with manual hand pumps, properly secured from contamination, provide redundant water sources when integrated with rainwater harvesting systems. Food independence Above Supermarket shelves can empty within hours to days after a major disruption (Photo: Unsplash) In cities, supermarket shelves can empty within hours to days after a major disruption due to panic buying, supply chain breakdowns, or infrastructure collapse. Most households maintain only a few days' to a week's worth of food on hand, and in the absence of resupply, many families will face shortages within the first week. Read more: Climate change is threatening Malaysia's food security—here's how we can mitigate it Above Canned goods form the backbone of emergency food storage (Photo: Pexels) Above Sacks of grains are also a popular go-to for emergency food storage (Photo: Pexels) Freeze-dried meals, grains, and canned goods form the backbone of emergency food storage. For these supplies, spare rooms or basements can be converted into dry pantries with efficient use of vertical space, modular shelving, and proper labeling to improve accessibility and inventory management. See also: 10 iconic home brands that became household names Other options include cold storage rooms equipped with insulation, temperature control, and humidity management; while traditional root cellars or underground pantries provide natural temperature regulation and humidity control, extending the shelf life of vegetables and perishables without electricity. Above Spare rooms can be converted into dry pantries with efficient use of vertical space and modular shelving (Photo: Pexels) Above Cold storage rooms equipped with insulation, temperature control, and humidity management (Photo: Pexels) However, experts estimate that most people would find it nearly impossible to stockpile enough food for more than a few months. In case of long-term crises, storing years' worth of food for a family of four would require significant space and cost, making it impractical for most households. While meticulous food rationing can extend supplies, innovative food production becomes essential for long-term survival if agriculture is disrupted for years. Don't miss: Qarbotech co-founder Chor Chee Hoe is on a mission to revolutionise agriculture and face down world hunger Above Hydroponics maximises space usage while supplementing food production (Photo: Pexels) Above Stamba Hotel in Georgia houses the country's first vertical farm, Space Farm (Photo: Design Hotels) Vertical gardening using soilless cultivation methods like aeroponics or hydroponics maximises space usage. These techniques are increasingly adopted in urban or flood-prone areas with limited land to supplement food production. 'Small rooftop gardens or greenhouses provide year-round fresh produce, [particularly herbs and leafy greens,] improving food security and microclimate cooling,' notes the FAO. Read more: 5 design and sustainably-led hotels around the world ScienceDirect experts add that aquaponics–with low-maintenance protein sources like tilapia or catfish–creates a symbiotic system when combined with soilless plant cultivation; maximising water and nutrient efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Above Potatoes are perennial crops excellent for sustainable food security (Photo: Unsplash) Above Bananas are fast-growing, nutrient-dense, and well-suited to tropical climates (Photo: Pexels) For homes with more extensive acreage, the FAO suggests planting perennial crops like bananas, moringa, cassava, sweet potato, taro, and lemongrass. 'They are fast-growing, nutrient-dense, and well-suited to tropical climates, making them excellent choices for sustainable food security,' the specialised United Nations agency explains. See also: These farmers grow your food, but can't afford to eat—this social enterprise is changing that Home security and safety Above Tall hedges provide privacy for SLS Properties Inc's Villa La Maida project in Los Angeles (Photo: Todd Goodman / LA Light) Natural fencing is usually constructed around a property's perimeter to maintain privacy while offering a lush view from inside homes. This landscaping approach also provides stealth security that blends with the landscape and building design, enhancing resilience and reducing risk compared to overtly fortified structures that attract unwanted attention. 'Using dense, thorny plants such as bougainvillea or bamboo alongside fencing creates a natural, low-maintenance barrier that discourages intrusion without drawing attention,' according to experts from Landscape Architecture Magazine . Don't miss: Home tour: A Mediterranean-inspired home that brings a piece of Tuscany to Los Angeles Above Solar-powered surveillance cameras provide sustainable, low-maintenance perimeter security (Photo: Pexels) Above Geese make excellent natural alert systems due to their keen senses and territorial behaviour (Photo: Pexels) Additionally, modern residential security design can be integrated to buff up the home's security. Solar-powered motion sensor lights and surveillance cameras provide sustainable, low-maintenance perimeter security, triggering real-time alerts and deterring intruders effectively. Read more: Kamarul Muhamed of Aerodyne on his journey with drone technology In fact, low-tech tripwire alarms such as bells or cans can be equally effective in providing simple but reliable perimeter alerts in rural or low-power settings; while dogs and geese, according to the Journal of Animal Behavior , serve as excellent natural alert systems, functioning as noisy sentinels due to their keen senses and territorial behaviour. Above Frightened Jackson citizens hiding in basement shelters in 'The Last of Us' (Photo: HBO Max) Finally, when intrusions, severe weather, or other emergencies occur, fortified spaces stocked with essentials allow homeowners to shelter safely until the threat passes. 'Safe rooms should be located away from windows and accessible from multiple points,' advises Architecture Lab . 'Typical sizes range around ten by ten feet with eight to nine-foot ceiling heights for optimal comfort and functionality.' See also: Home tour: A colour coordinated holiday home in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts Design criteria for safe rooms–including panic rooms, crawlspaces, basement shelters, and bunkers–established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) require reinforced concrete walls with steel rebar or prestressed panels, and impact-resistant doors must meet ICC 500 standards for tornado and hurricane resistance. Secure ventilation systems should be integrated to prevent debris and water ingress, with emergency power, typically provided by generators or battery units, maintaining lighting and ventilation during outages. Above Safe rooms should be stocked with communication devices, including battery-operated radios and satellite phones (Photo: Pexels)
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kathy Bates, Mara Brock Akil, Natasha Lyonne, and More to Receive Awards at IndieWire Honors
IndieWire, the definitive outlet for creative independence in film and TV, announced on Wednesday, May 7 the return of the Spring edition of its IndieWire Honors event celebrating the creators and stars responsible for some of the most impressive and engaging work of this TV season. Hosted by comedian Robby Hoffman, known for her memorable guest appearances on 'Hacks' and 'Dying for Sex' this year, IndieWire Honors will celebrate its honorees at an intimate cocktail reception taking place Thursday, June 5 in Los Angeles. Exclusive editorial content, including honoree profiles, will also be featured on IndieWire beginning May 28 and will continue throughout the lead-up to the awards night, followed by video interviews and more content from the event. More from IndieWire Joe Wright's 'Mussolini: Son of the Century' Epic Series Will Be Distributed by MUBI - Watch New Teaser 'The Last of Us' Review: Episode 5 Stares Death in the Face and Asks for More - Spoilers 'Each year, IndieWire Honors celebrates the artists who are redefining the boundaries of storytelling and pushing the industry forward,' said Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire's senior VP and editor-in-chief. 'The 2025 honorees exemplify the innovation, courage, and creative vision that inspire us all. We're proud to shine a light on these voices and continue our tradition of championing the boldest talents in film and television.''It's spring and IndieWire Honors is back, our unique take on an awards event where honorees and attendees mix and mingle while celebrating our favorite series and the talent behind them,' said IndieWire senior VP and publisher James Israel. The Spring 2025 IndieWire Honors honorees, as curated and selected by IndieWire's editorial team, are as follows: Given her reputation for bringing an invigorating energy to every role she takes on, big or small, it's no surprise that a reimagining of the classic legal procedural 'Matlock' headlined by Kathy Bates has been such a success. The actress is an anchor, helping the audience see the heart of the material, no matter how high the concept. While it once was common for actors to overthink taking on a TV role versus a film role, Bates has proven how one can freely and effectively bounce between both mediums, earning Emmys and an Oscar along the way. It is rare to see someone so pivotal to the TV landscape feel like they are just getting started. After working on iconic Black sitcoms like 'Moesha' and 'The Jamie Foxx Show,' and creating 'Girlfriends,' where she hired several writers that would also become game-changing showrunners, Mara Brock Akil is making her long-awaited Netflix series debut 'Forever,' inspired by the groundbreaking Judy Blume novel of the same name. Now taking place in 2018, the teen romance is a balm for audiences hoping to find the tenderness and connection lacking in modern times. Coming on as an executive producer and director helping bring creator Dan Erickson's vision of 'Severance' to life, actor and filmmaker Ben Stiller has hit his stride behind the lens of the Apple TV+ series. Split between two worlds that both feel all too uncanny to anyone who has passed through white collar wastelands, the Apple TV+ series has an immersive sense of malaise diffused by his collaboration from day one with cinematographer Jessica Lee Gagné, who went on to also direct the episode 'Chikhai Bardo,' a highlight of the highly acclaimed second season. Cutting her teeth as the star of women-directed indies like 'Slums of Beverly Hills' and 'But I'm a Cheerleader,' whose posters still line the walls of precocious teenagers' bedrooms, the now-multi-hyphenate Natasha Lyonne has solidified herself as a singular talent that writes, directs, and stars in TV series that redefine what creators can accomplish in the streaming era. With Peacock's 'Poker Face,' created alongside Oscar-nominated filmmaker Rian Johnson, Lyonne has managed to turn a classic whodunnit into an impeccably written, well-crafted showcase for some of the most exciting stars of today. The countless hours spent between 'The Penguin' star Colin Farrell and makeup designer Mike Marino proved to be foundational to the success of the HBO crime drama spinning off from the 2022 blockbuster 'The Batman.' The actor is completely transformed, but is not weighed down by prosthetics that hinder his capabilities to give a nuanced performance of a superhero rogue that fans thought they already knew. That kind of symbiosis of crafts, where the pair pushes each other to new creative peaks, has already led to several awards, and calls for the limited series to be revived, whether the Batman returns or not. A throwback in form and function, the Ramy Youssef and Pam Brady creation '#1 Happy Family USA' on Prime Video is a reminder of how animation can be the perfect medium for transgressive stories that can challenge the audience's worldview, while also challenging them not to laugh. It is finally not too soon to joke about how the world changed after September 11, 2001, with Brady and Youssef teeing up an animation style that transports viewers to the time, and holding up a mirror for everyone to see the actions of many that are now painfully regrettable, yet hilarious. It may be pat to refer to documentary projects as stranger than fiction, but watching 'Ren Faire' from documentary prodigy Lance Oppenheim, it is bizarre how well the narrative of a megalomaniacal entrepreneur toying with his wannabe successors foreshadows current events we are mustering through. And that is not to say there isn't any fun to be had with 'Ren Faire,' which is full of energy and comedic beats that rival the best sitcoms. In a field as expansive as documentary, it can be incredibly hard to develop a unique voice, but the young filmmaker has already proven himself able to provide something fresh, spotlighting idiosyncratic subjects that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. A few years out from her devastating, Emmy-winning turn in 'Mare of Easttown,' actress Julianne Nicholson returns to TV on the new Hulu series 'Paradise' where everything is not what it seems. It's easy to call her character Sinatra the most captivating villain of this overall television season, but Nicholson places all the pieces down to challenge that designation throughout the Dan Fogelman-penned series. Sure, she is unapologetically focused on her survival, and maintaining a sense of control, which makes for delicious tête-à-tête with lead Sterling K. Brown, but she does so having experienced a loss that would be transformative for anyone to have gone through. All it takes to impress upon anyone who has seen the Netflix series 'Adolescence' just how talented its breakout star Owen Cooper truly is: tell them that the first episode the newcomer shot is the one opposite Erin Doherty, where he turns the table on her as counselor trying to evaluate whether he is aware of his fatal actions. Cooper is but one modern teenager (and still in school to boot), but through his performance in the Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne-created series, he has become a conduit for needed conversations about how to contend with the toxic culture preying upon young men worldwide. Though the entrance of Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren into the 'Yellowstone' universe piqued the interest of many, Paramount+ series '1923' has provided a needed education to its viewers about the atrocities committed against indigenous Americans through star Aminah Nieves. Though it is incredibly tough to shoulder the burden of depicting a difficult piece of North American history parties are still actively trying to erase, the young star has done so with aplomb, ending the second and final season of the Western saga on a triumphant note that provides the foundation for many more indigenous stories to be told for years to come. Best of IndieWire Guillermo del Toro's Favorite Movies: 56 Films the Director Wants You to See 'Song of the South': 14 Things to Know About Disney's Most Controversial Movie The 55 Best LGBTQ Movies and TV Shows Streaming on Netflix Right Now
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Craig Mazin Says We ‘Overestimate' the ‘Allegorical Connections' Between TV Shows and Real News
'Some of us just can't be saved.' Whether you caught that line on 'The Last of Us' Season 2, Episode 3 — or said it to yourself at some point during the 2024 election — showrunner Craig Mazin isn't drawing all the parallels you think. Asked about the impact real news can have on a narrative TV audience, Mazin told IndieWire, 'Well, it's hard to tell sometimes.' 'I think we overestimate how much people apply what's happening in the world around them to their experience watching a television show or going to see a movie,' he said. 'It feels like a natural thing to imagine that they're making those allegorical connections, but the truth is I'm not sure we're making them that much and I'm not sure they're watching them in that way that much.' More from IndieWire 'Harry Potter' Series Star Paapa Essiedu Signs Open Letter Supporting Trans Rights in the U.K. 'The Better Sister' Trailer: Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks Are Estranged Siblings Investigating a Murder He continued, 'People often do connect to these things on their own terms. What I do know is that when times are hard, our business has always provided people joy, an 'escape.' People call it 'an escape.' I don't think it's an escape. I think it's a reminder of all those feelings that we feel, even if it makes us cry or if it makes us laugh. It gives us a chance to feel things safely in a place where there aren't permanent consequences, but we can kind of connect with each other and have a joint experience. That's what culture does. That's what art has always done, so I'm hopeful that that's how people come to this season.' A legendary title in the video game world, 'The Last of Us Part II' won hundreds of Game of the Year accolades after hitting consoles in June 2020. Simultaneously, the COVID-19 lockdown helped fuel several controversies around Naughty Dog's bold sequel — including the decision to kill off a beloved character (Mazin unpacked that bombshell for IndieWire separately) and giving hero Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey for HBO) a queer love interest (Isabela Merced). Speaking with IndieWire before 'The Last of Us' Season 2 premiered on April 13, Mazin defended his love of the source material. He also explained how thoroughly imagined characters can make an apocalypse feel more epic. Even adapting historical events for 'Chernobyl,' HBO's Emmy-winning miniseries from 2019 about the infamous Ukrainian nuclear disaster, Mazin said his instinct 'was to drill into the real, human relationships.' 'It's not the event ultimately that draws us dramatically towards it,' he said. 'What draws us is in is witnessing people and how they relate to each other in ways that are universally resonant with who we are.' Seemingly alluding to American politics (but, hey, maybe not!), Mazin continued, 'None of us are living in a mushroom apocalypse — not yet. Feels like we're teetering, but we're not there yet. But we connect with the story of Joel and Ellie because we understand their story isn't about a mushroom apocalypse. Their story is about fatherhood. It's about childhood. It's about love and loyalty. It is about the links we go to keep the people we love safe and the ways in which we damage them by trying to keep them safe.' He concluded, 'These are themes that we all deal with as children, as parents, as friends, as partners, all of us, and this season goes a little bit deeper down the path of what that means when you start to think of yourself and the people you love as 'us,' which naturally starts to create a boundary beyond which is 'them.' Well over there on 'them'? They're 'us' and we're 'them.' And now, when we are in opposition, how do we get out of this and how do we resolve things?' 'The Last of Us' Season 2 airs new episodes on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max. Best of IndieWire Christopher Nolan's Favorite Movies: 44 Films the Director Wants You to See The 25 Saddest TV Character Deaths of This Century Quentin Tarantino's Favorite Movies: 64 Films the Director Wants You to See
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘The Last of Us' Review: Episode 7 Makes a Generational Choice — Spoilers
[Editor's note: The following review contains spoilers for 'The Last of Us' Season 2, Episode 7 — the Season 2 finale. For additional coverage, including previous episode reviews, check out IndieWire's 'Last of Us' landing page.] 'Maybe she got what she deserved.' More from IndieWire Why Netflix Moved on from 'CoComelon' - and How It Hopes to Replace It in the Kids Programming Wars 'And Just Like That' Review: Season 3 Tones Down the Madness for a Timid Take on 'Sex and the City' 'Maybe she didn't.' To open 'The Last of Us' Season 2 finale, Dina (Isabela Merced) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) share the above exchange about Nora (Tati Gabrielle), the member of Abby's (Kaitlyn Dever) posse who Ellie chased down, tortured, and left to die at the end of Episode 5. But by the end of Episode 7, viewers may very well be repeating the debate about Ellie, whose ultimate fate makes for an agonizing cliffhanger that won't be resolved until Season 3 premieres (at least). Did Abby shoot Ellie like she shot Jesse (Young Mazino), R.I.P.? Did she wound her? Did she miss? Of course, I'm desperate for Ellie to survive, but 'The Last of Us' already killed off one of its leads this season and, more importantly, it's clear co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann (who cowrote the Season 2 finale with Halley Gross) want viewers to consider not just what they want to happen, but what these characters have chosen for themselves. Sans sentiment, Ellie's moral report card is grim. She tortured and killed Nora. She shot and killed Owen (Spencer Lord), as well as Mel (Ariela Barer), the latter of whom was pregnant when she died. Sure, Mel's death was an accident, but that's hardly an excuse when Ellie's entire plan is built around murdering people. On the other hand, Ellie's ethical judgement showed signs of improvement in Episode 7; that her experience in Seattle (and lingering memories of Joel) may be steering her away from vengeance and toward mercy. Saying 'maybe she didn't' about Nora deserving to die (and be tortured), as well as telling Dina why Abby was so fixated on finding Joel to begin with, is a good sign for Ellie's level of bloodlust. If she's open to considering other opinions, instead of just finding Abby at all costs, that's progress. (Her revelation also drives a wedge between her and Dina, which speaks to how hard — and how important — it must've been for Ellie to divulge.) Granted, Ellie suffers a setback when she realizes where Abby is hiding. (The only words Nora said to Ellie were 'whale' and 'wheel,' so when she spots them both by Seattle's Aquarium, the dead-end suddenly becomes an open door, and she can't stop herself from walking through.) Long before her interrogation of Abby's crew goes so quickly sideways, it's clear Ellie should've gone with Jesse to help Tommy (Gabriel Luna). Tommy came to Seattle to help her. He cares about her, and she cares about him. He's part of her community, and he's still alive. Joel isn't. And if Ellie's decisions really were dictated by what Joel would want, there's no way he would rather Ellie kill his killer than save his brother. (Back in Episode 3, Tommy even said as much: 'He'd be halfway to Seattle to save my life,' Tommy said, when Ellie tried to argue Joel would go to Seattle to avenge Tommy's death. 'But when we lost people, no. It would just break him, like it was his fault. I saw that time and time again.') But Ellie isn't hearing it. There's too many variables. 'Fuck the community!' Ellie screams. 'You let a kid die today, Jesse. Because why? He wasn't in your community? Let me tell you about my community. My community was beaten to death in front of me while I had to fucking watch.' To be fair, Jesse didn't 'let' anyone die. There was no way they could've saved the Scar who was trapped by W.L.F. soldiers. Ellie and Jesse vs. a literal army? Sorry, but they're taking an 'L' on that one. But the selective responsibility Ellie points out does bring up one of the show's thornier subjects: Where do you draw the line when it comes to helping others when doing so comes at great personal risk to yourself? With the Scar boy from earlier that day, it's a relatively easy choice. But Jesse and Tommy already made a harder choice — to come to Seattle to save Ellie and Dina — and Jesse, as he explains to Ellie, already sacrificed his own romantic happiness to stick in Jackson and help the townsfolk, which includes Ellie. 'I go with that girl to New Mexico,' he says, 'who saves your ass in Seattle?' Despite Ellie and Jesse accusing (and then, later on, supporting) each other, the difference between them is clear. In Jesse's scenario, neither road available to him is actively harmful: If he goes with the woman to New Mexico, maybe he makes her happy, himself happy, and the people of New Mexico happy. Sure, everyone in Jackson would miss him, but they could've found another leader-in-waiting. Still, he chose to stay. Maybe he's less of a romantic, or maybe — as it's implied here — he's less selfish than Ellie. That doesn't mean 'better'; sometimes you need to be selfish. Ellie just took it too far. With Ellie, if she had stayed in Jackson, Dina would have been safe. Ellie would have been safe. The people of Jackson would still have two of their best patrol members, Tommy would still have a de facto niece, and Jesse would have been able to see his baby be born. Going had a single best case scenario: Abby would be dead. One more person on this planet would be gone. And for what? Abby isn't a known threat to anyone now that Joel is gone. Ellie's revenge is for her. It's selfish. It's meant to be healing, but it's only sewing more destruction. Now that destruction is all around her. Nora, Owen, Mel, and Mel's baby are dead. Jesse is dead. Tommy and Dina are wounded, and it's hard to imagine Abby letting them live. Ellie may be gone, too, although — without knowing what happens in the games — I have to imagine her story will continue. Her nature, her soul, is still forming. She hasn't hardened into a monster or softened enough to find mercy. But fate doesn't wait around for you to be ready. Whether she lives or dies, she chose the path that led her here. 'The Last of Us' Season 2 is available on HBO and Max (which is soon to be HBO Max… again). The series has been renewed for Season 3. • Speaking of monsters, a brief word on the book Ellie picks out for Dina's unborn baby: 'The Monster at the End of This Book,' written by Jon Stone with illustrations by Michael Smollin. The children's book, first published in 1971, tells an innovative meta narrative in which Grover (the 'Sesame Street' character) reads the title of the book and gets scared about what sort of monster is waiting for him at the end. From there, most of the book's 'story' is just Grover begging the reader not to continue, so he doesn't have to encounter the monster, but (spoiler alert) the monster at the end of the book is… Grover. For kids, the lesson is clear: The scariest monster is the one you build up in your mind. Expectations and reality don't always match up, and sometimes a monster is just… misunderstood. Take that reading a step further (not unlike comedian Gary Gulman's does in his 2024 stand-up special, 'Grandiliquent'), and the monster at the end of the book is the reader themselves, or more accurately, whatever anxiety, trauma, or scarring event from the reader's past they can't seem to escape — and shapes how they see the world. Gee, I wonder how that would apply to Ellie? • And speaking of presumed leaders who abandon their posts, what the heck is going on with Abby, Isaac (Jeffrey Wright), and the W.L.F.? During 'Seattle Day 3,' she's M.I.A. Isaac sits down with Sgt. Park (Hettienne Park) and complains that Abby and her whole team are missing on 'tonight of all nights.' Later, we get an idea of that night's significance when the W.L.F. sets off a massive explosion at the Seraphites' village. It's unclear who lived and died, what was destroyed, or if anything was accomplished, but it's implied — both by Isaac and by Owen, who doesn't seem to know where Abby is before Ellie walks in on him — that Abby was supposed to be on those attack boats, and she just… wasn't. Isaac tells Sgt. Park he was planning for Abby to take over someday as the W.L.F. leader, so what happened to make her abandon that trajectory? We'll surely find out in Season 3, considering the final scene flashes back to 'Seattle Day 1' to share what's going on from Abby's perspective. But given the emphasis placed in Season 2 on Jesse's planned ascension in Jackson, as well as Ellie stepping into Joel's shoes, there's a growing emphasis on generational transitions in 'The Last of Us.' Jesse's succession would've been relatively smooth, given how much he aligned with the current leadership, Tommy and Maria (Rutina Wesley). But Ellie's attempts to follow in Joel's footsteps are bumpy at best. The longer she tries to play the badass avenger, the more she doubts whether that's who she is (and if that's who Joel wanted to be) . Could the same thing be happening to Abby? Could completing her quest for revenge have rattled her enough to drift from the person she was before? Might 'The Last of Us' actually see hope for a better future in a generation of kids so ill at ease with the actions of their elders that they run in the opposite direction? • For a show that took more than two years between Seasons 1 and 2, it's hard to sit with Mazin & Co.'s chosen endpoint. For one, Season 2 is only seven episodes long, as opposed to Season 1's nine-episode arc. But on top of that, this arc feels incomplete. Ellie's left halfway through a transformative moment. Everything happening between the W.L.F. and the Seraphites feels half-formed, and Abby has barely been fleshed out enough to build anticipation around seeing more of her in Season 3. I enjoyed the time I spent with 'The Last of Us' Season 2 — and I hope you did, too, dear readers — I just wish there was more closure before another long break. Best of IndieWire The 25 Best Alfred Hitchcock Movies, Ranked Every IndieWire TV Review from 2020, Ranked by Grade from Best to Worst
