The Last of Us Part 2 is widely regarded as one of the most polarizing entries in the video game realm. While Neil Druckmann’s artistic direction resonates with a segment of players, others present alternative interpretations on how the sequel’s narrative could have unfolded.
With the game having launched five years ago, the anticipation builds as the second season of the HBO adaptation is set to premiere on April 13, 2025. This moment presents an ideal opportunity to reflect on the conclusion of The Last of Us Part 2.
This article delves into the intricate details of the game’s ending.
Warning: This article contains significant spoilers for The Last of Us Part 2. Proceed with caution.
The Climactic Confrontation: Ellie and Abby
The narrative kicks off with Joel recounting pivotal events from the first game to his brother, Tommy. He reveals how he had to eliminate a group of Fireflies, including the doctor who was about to operate on Ellie, in a desperate act of love for her survival. Fast forward to the present, and the story takes a dark turn with Joel’s murder at the hands of Abby, who seeks vengeance for the death of her father, the same doctor Joel killed.
This tragic loss propels Ellie into a relentless quest across Seattle, driven by her need for retribution. Despite her fierce pursuit, she ultimately finds herself returning home empty-handed. These later chapters in the game showcase Ellie grappling with her inability to avenge Joel’s death while trying to rebuild a life with Dina.
However, Ellie’s internal struggle ultimately leads her back on the path of vengeance. Aware that she may not return to find Dina waiting for her, she embarks on a perilous journey to locate Abby, who is now imprisoned alongside Lev in Santa Barbara.
Upon finally confronting Abby, Ellie finds herself choking her rival underwater in a heated clash. Just as victory seems within reach, a poignant flashback of Joel playing guitar emerges in Ellie’s mind, causing her to hesitate and ultimately allowing Abby and Lev to escape.
The Significance of Ellie’s Choice
Ellie’s decision to spare Abby represents a pivotal shift in her understanding of revenge. Throughout her journey, Ellie becomes consumed by violence and relentlessly eliminates those connected to Joel’s death. Yet, this path of destruction robs her of her former joy, leaving her reflecting on precious moments lost with Joel.
In this critical encounter with Abby, memories of past conversations with Joel emerge, revealing her readiness to forgive him. By choosing to let Abby go, Ellie seeks a measure of closure and healing, allowing herself to mourn rather than perpetuate the cycle of vengeance.
Returning to the Farm: The Guitar’s Silent Message
Upon her return to the farm, Ellie finds a haunting emptiness: Dina has left, taking their baby. As she ascends the stairs to a familiar room, she sits to play Joel’s guitar, her fingers now compromised after her encounter with Abby. This moment symbolizes her severed bond with Joel, one that was nurtured through music.
This visual metaphor underscores the ultimate cost of her revenge; Ellie has sacrificed everything—her family, her partner, and her own identity. The final scene captures her departing the house, a poignant reminder of the happiness she once knew, now a distant memory.
Reflections on the Impact of The Last of Us Part 2
The Last of Us Part 2 offers a profound commentary on the long-term implications of our choices. It highlights how Joel’s drastic actions, aimed at saving Ellie, unwittingly set into motion a chain of events leading to his own demise. The game encapsulates the unending cycle of revenge, which only finds resolution when one consciously chooses to walk away.
Rather than concluding with ambiguous hints at a sequel, the game offers a definitive closure to Ellie’s arc. It delivers a powerful lesson about timing in the pursuit of happiness, albeit Ellie learns this lesson too late, losing everything dear to her in the process.