The Last of Us Episode 3: Heartbreaking Revelations from Director about Bill & Frank's Story will Leave You Sobbing

Summary

The audience experienced an emotional impact as a result of Hoar's remarkable directorial decisions in episode 3 of "The Last of Us." The heartrending yet fulfilling love story of Bill and Frank left viewers shattered but satisfied.

Bill and Frank's queer romance challenges stereotypes and offers a poignant portrayal of lasting love, despite the harsh backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world. This particular episode stands as a standout moment in the series, showcasing Hoar's skill in crafting heartfelt queer narratives and solidifying its place as one of the top television moments of 2023.

In an interview with Deadline, director Peter Hoar discussed the emotional response from viewers regarding the storyline of Bill and Frank in episode 3 of The Last of Us. This popular HBO show is based on the beloved PlayStation video game franchise created by Naughty Dog, with the first season adapting events from the original 2013 game. The Last of Us follows the journey of Joel Miller (played by Pedro Pascal) as he navigates a virus-ravaged America and escorts Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) through a world filled with despair, factionalism, and violence.

Hoar praised the performances of Nick Offerman as Bill and Murray Bartlett as Frank, emphasizing their contribution to the emotional impact of the episode titled "Long, Long Time." He also explained how carefully crafted creative decisions ensured an authentic and poignant viewing experience for the audience. Hoar's complete response can be found below.

How Bill & Frank's The Last of Us Romance Is A Standout Queer Love Story

I didn't intend to tell a story that would evoke uncontrollable tears from the world, but I managed to do just that. I remember giving Murray a specific note, suggesting that maybe this could be the scene where we avoid crying. However, it proved to be impossible because Bill delivered his lines with such passion and authenticity, proclaiming his love for Frank as his purpose. Murray couldn't hold back, exclaiming, "I can't do it! Look at him, he's just so beautiful and human. I can't contain my emotions." So, that note became redundant. As a filmmaker, my goal is to make people feel something. And there were certain choices we made, like using Max Richter's "On the Nature of Daylight" in a poignant montage towards the end, that always stir up emotions in me. However, we had to be careful not to overload the film with too many tear-inducing moments. This gay love story is portrayed with sincerity and authenticity, devoid of flamboyance. Apart from Nick and Murray, Pedro and Bella delivered exceptional performances as well, particularly in the scene where Ellie reads a letter from Bill. It's a beautifully crafted scene, where Ellie's reading is simultaneously hilarious and heart-wrenching. Pedro's reaction to it is simply breathtaking.

In The Last of Us game, Bill's story goes beyond his role as a supporting character in Joel and Ellie's narrative. It delves into his journey as a bitter survivor who aids the main duo in their own quest. Additionally, his partner Frank, though only seen posthumously following an undisclosed falling out, contributes to a fully developed background and story for the duo. This expanded narrative not only adds depth to Bill and Frank's characters but also enhances Joel's own story by depicting someone who has endured similar hardships and managed to find a better life.

The Last of Us' adaptation of Bill and Frank goes beyond simply enhancing the world, as it presents a refreshing queer love story that deviates from the unfortunate trends seen in many other shows. Often, these shows have faced scrutiny for their handling of queer relationships, resorting to problematic depictions and clichés like "bury your gays". However, Bill and Frank's romance defies these norms. Despite no longer being present when Joel and Ellie arrive, their love story is revealed to have endured the world's collapse, thus providing audiences with a beautiful and emotionally complex narrative.

Notably, Bill and Frank's episode is one of the most poignant in The Last of Us, standing out in an already acclaimed season and ranking among the best television moments of 2023. Director Hoar, who has previously explored emotional queer narratives through his work on Russell T Davies' It's A Sin, clearly aimed to deliver a story that would leave viewers both heartbroken and satisfied. Through his careful decisions and the captivating performances of the cast, Hoar crafted an episode that serves as a compelling standalone tale of enduring love.

Source: Deadline