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The last of us episode 5 + tweets

So I just rewatched episode 5 of the last of us why did I do that too myself 🥺

Here’s why the infected scene in episode 5 of TLOU works so well…

Buildup: As of episode five in the series, we’ve seen infected multiple times already, and every appearance has built up this “threat-level” of them. In the first two episodes we see both the larger scale of the infected and how scary they can be in hordes (like the driving scene and the capitol building, as well as the absolutely brilliant overlook scene), but also how threatening they can be solo (Joel and Sarah in the diner and the museum scene)… also in episode three we get Bill’s little “ehehe” from an infected death which is just as if not far more important as well.

By the time we see the infected come running out of the crater, the writers have already intentionally and precisely given us the knowledge of just how scary the infected can be.

That’s also why I’m glad they only did this type of massive battle once in the series, because once they did it, it becomes impossible to recapture that buildup and almost “unleashing” of the infected, of seeing just how scary they are.

The buildup also includes the more typical rising tension of the episode (which was, like everything else in the show, done absolutely fantastically), and the foreshadowing of the infected by both Kathleen and Henry.

Scale: The infected scene in episode 5 is by far the biggest in scale action sequence of the show. The huge amounts of infected pouring out of the rubble and the massive Bloater, as well as how many people are involved, the fighting in the background, it makes the whole battle feel huge. It leaves you in this sense of almost “awe” that so many great action sequences have.

Horror: In the sequence there are horror elements added in to make it feel scarier (complementing both of the points above). Obviously zombies are already horror-esque, but that’s not what I mean.

I feel like the best example of horror elements being incorporated into the fight is the part where Ellie is in the car. Enclosed spaces are a horror staple. Ellie being trapped in the enclosed space with an infected, and later Henry and Sam trapped under the car, transition this battle beautifully into tension-filled smaller scale sections in this massive battle, with parts so pinprick focused on the people we care most about, and how bloodthirsty and terrifying these monsters are.

We also see it in Kathleen’s shocking and gruesome death, and the power of the bloater, almost reminiscent of the predator or other near-unstoppable horror forces.

Cinematography: The lighting in the battle is so good, with the fire and darkness adding to this scary effect of the battle, as well as this extra layer of dynamism and contrast.

Also, I’m always a sucker for background fight, following characters as they navigate through violence. The way this sequence does it is also incredibly well done, with the background ever-shifting and changing, with the focus of the shot being on someone actively trying to avoid the fight and get past this living mass of gore.

The handheld style of TLOU is something I can write essays about (and I will! Post about cinematography coming soon lol) but in this sequence it makes you feel like you’re on the ground with the characters as the battle rages around you.

Monster Design: This one is self-explanatory, I’d say. The clickers, and the Bloater, my goodness the Bloater, look so incredibly good. And the way that they created this almost alien thing overtaking regular peoples bodies and turning them into monsters is incredibly amazing, and the practical effects make it look so real and detailed (they had the makeup guy who did the Night King and Vecna)

Emotional Resonance: This one’s pretty simple. The battle makes you feel things. Not just fear for the characters, though there’s definitely a lot of that, but also showcasing Joel and Ellie’s growing bond, with Ellie trusting Joel to have her back and Joel desperately trying to protect her.

It was absolutely magnificent, and an absolute feat of filmmaking.

My Top 5 Shots From Every Ep of TLOU

Episode 5

TW: Gore

Number #5

An absolutely gorgeous one that really shows off the tenderness of this scene through the warm lighting and intimate feel. Ellie silhouetted in the lamp light is beautiful, and centering of her between the two beds is really great.

Number #4

An absolutely amazing shot from the ‘Kansas City Freed’ sequence. The shallow depth of field, making the crown out of focus, looks incredible. And the blue and yellow lighting works so well.

Number #3

Not only is this just a gorgeous shot, but the symbolism is absolutely stunning. This is right after Henry paints the mask onto Sam’s face, and seeing the way that it’s reflected back onto him, since he’s Sam’s hero, is just so brilliant and fantastic.

Number #2

I mean, what can I say? I am an absolute sucker for shots in which there’s out of focus danger in the background. But this one is amazing on so many other levels, too. The lighting from the fire looks incredible, and the shallow depth of field, showing the flames and lights in the background through the dirty windows, is just fantastic. All that mixed with the intensity of this shot make it just absolutely incredible.

Before I reveal my #1, here are some honorable mentions…

TLOU ultra-wide shots never miss, and this is no exception. I love off-centering of Ellie and Joel, and the way they’re framed by the streetlights. It just looks amazing!

This shot is so intimidating. The chains in front, something they’ll use more of in episode 8, and the dim, dreary vibe of the room really make this feel gritty and dirty in such a fantastic way. I just can’t get enough!

Just an absolutely gorgeous shot. I love the different colored lights and the way they reflect off the metal in the hallway.

Just an absolutely bangin’ landscape shot.

I just love the use of focus in this show, and the way that it helps give this scene a very melancholy, introspective tone by making Joel alone, even when there’s someone with him.

Number #1

MY BOYYYYYYYYYYY. MY BABY BOYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

Tune in for ep 6 tmrw!