5 Reasons why Bella Ramsey's portrayal of Ellie in The Last of Us TV Show is spot-on

The Last of Us series has a wide range of well-acclaimed actors that have done a commendable job with their performance. Bella Ramsey has also done a remarkable performance as Ellie. Her performance has given her widespread acclaim. Ellie is a beloved character for millions of fans. Especially the gaming community. Many of the viewers had voiced their dissatisfaction when Bella Ramsey was announced to play the role of Ellie in The Last Of Us.

It was mainly because the game had already established a different aspect in the minds of the viewers. However, when the episodes were released, within the first appearance of Bella Ramsey as Ellie, the viewers changed their opinions. To take on the daunting task of playing a character that already has a huge fanbase is challenging. Bella Ramsey navigated the challenge and came out successful.

Bella made it hard to imagine Ellie’s character being played by anyone but her. Though Ellie in the game and Bella Ramsey do not have much physical resemblance, which was the initial issue of the fans, the character is far more significant than outward looks. Ellie is a deeply complicated character. She has gone through immense trauma. Bella Ramsey has perfectly captured Ellie’s emotional turmoil, from her subtle humor to her sarcasm to her struggles.

A main factor that contributed to making Bella a perfect match for Ellie’s role was her chemistry with Pedro Pascal. The dynamic between these two characters is the foundation of the series. It is a complex blend of reluctant guardianship and familial bond. Pedro Pascal is a talented actor. To match his acting skills requires similar talent. Bella Ramsey has the ability to match Pascal’s intensity, bringing life to their characters. It is true that many a time, video game adaptations are not successful; however, in this case, The Last of Us series has done a great honor to the source material.

It has brought the depth and nuance that has enriched the show for the viewers, giving an immersive experience, and Bella’s contribution is noteworthy. So, let’s dive into the 5 reasons why Bella Ramsey's portrayal of Ellie in The Last of Us is spot-on.

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1)Ellie’s personality

Ellie’s personality in The Last of Us is one of the most significant defining factors of her. Ellie is a survivor. In the brutal world that they live in, surviving each day comes at the cost of intense struggle and trauma. Bella Ramsey is a talented actor. She has captured the essence of Ellie’s character in a perfect manner. Ellie has been struggling since a very young age. The balance of struggle with vulnerability needs to be portrayed through Ellie.

Bella Ramsey carries the emotional weight Ellie has in the show. The constant threat, danger, and loss feel genuine because of Bella Ramsey’s performance. Ellie has a sharp wit and, moreover, a rebellious streak, which makes her a likable character. It is a crucial aspect of her personality. Bella Ramsey might not be the initial choice of the viewers for playing Ellie’s role.

However, after seeing her performance, it is hard to see anyone other than Bella as Ellie. Apart from perfectly capturing Ellie’s personality, Bella Ramsey also has the ability to show a wide range of emotions. It feels real and authentic.

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2)Reaction to being captured

In the first episode of The Last Of Us, when we are introduced to Ellie, she is captured. She is not any wide-eyed innocent girl but a guarded and cynical teenager. She throws sharp and sarcastic remarks at the people who have captured her. She is asked to count from one to ten slowly, but she refuses to oblige.

From the very first moment when we meet her, we can see how she has been an accurate cast for Ellie’s role. Bella has perfectly captured the sense of confinement in the scene. As we know, Ellie is not a refined and polished character; she is rough around the edges as a survivor of a brutal environment. It is undeniable how Bella has created a foundation with her performance as Ellie from the very first scenes. Bella masterfully brings to life Ellie’s compelling nature.

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3)Ellie’s journey

Ellie’s journey has been marked with nothing but constant struggle and loss. For any character, these are life-changing moments. Bella Ramsey has done a commendable job in portraying these traits in Ellie’s character. Ellie carries a heavy burden. She is immune to the cordyceps infection that ravaged human society. Ellie also witnesses the horrors of the post-apocalyptic world.

The infected creatures and the ruthless survivors that have somehow managed to live through it harden her resolve. Bella Ramsey captures the subtle nuances that were needed to capture Ellie’s emotions. She received several nominations for her performance as Ellie in The Last Of Us.

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4)Relationship with Joel

One of the best performances of Bella Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie is during the moments she has with Joel. Though initially, their relationship starts off in a tumultuous manner, they slowly evolve. Their bond has been widely praised by the viewers. Joel was not happy to be with Ellie initially.

He reminds her that if she even twitches for one moment, he will shoot her. Even though Joel warns her to behave, she never misses a chance to irritate and annoy Joel, testing his limits. For instance, when Joel asks Ellie about the knife trick she was doing, she replies that she learned it at the circus. Their dynamic has been a constant source of entertainment for the viewers.

Slowly their relationship dynamic shifts, and they start to have genuine warmth and concern for one another. Bella Ramsey has handled the shift in Ellie’s character in a perfect manner. Bella Ramsey has the ability to portray relationships with a raw and honest approach.

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5)Relationship with Riley

Yet another significant aspect of Bella’s performance was the portrayal of Ellie’s relationship with Riley. Their bond goes through several emotions from vulnerability to heartbreak. Bella has captured the complex emotions of a teenager as the world tries to steal her innocence by shoving her into a world of danger. Ellie has a balance of vulnerability and roughness.

Underneath her tough exterior, she also has the joy and affection she harbored for Riley. In a world of chaos, Riley and Ellie were the source of normalcy. The scenes in the abandoned mall where they enjoy their time together showcase the sheer delight of youth. We see them playing arcade games, clicking pictures, and reveling in each other's company before disaster strikes.

Bella has conveyed the sheer terror and disbelief of a young person watching everything she loved crumble in a moment in front of their eyes. She highlighted the power of human connection, the fragility of life, and the enduring impact of loss. Her performance has truly resonated with the viewers. Their bond truly was a significant part of Ellie's character.

It added to the depth of her character as we see through Ellie's experiences. The shift from playful camaraderie to helplessness and fear is portrayed in such an authentic manner. Till the very end, Ellie tries her best to stop the clicker. She stabs it multiple times. However, she finds that the clicker has bitten her and Riley as well. The scene left a lasting impact on the viewers.

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