The Last of Us Makes Me Long for More Relationships Like Ellie and Dina

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When considering lesbian representation in video games, my thoughts often turn to titles such as Life is Strange, Dragon Age, and Mass Effect. These games allow players to choose whether their character is gay or not, which differs significantly from real-life sexuality. In most media, canon lesbian characters are scarce, and when they do appear, the narrative tends to cater exclusively to the intended audience. However, The Last of Us stands out with a well-crafted lesbian character and a convincing romance that feels ordinary—exactly as it should be in all forms of media.

In the show, Ellie and Dina’s relationship seems to have been shaped more by their experiences with Jackson rather than traditional gay culture. Given the world they live in, which revolves around survival, people generally don’t seem to care much about one another’s sexuality, except perhaps for bigoted characters like Seth.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to clarify that “The Last of Us” isn’t exclusively an LGBT game. Instead, it’s a gripping post-apocalyptic narrative that incorporates diverse characters, including queer individuals. The portrayal of Bill and Frank’s relationship in the TV adaptation significantly expanded on this theme, normalizing same-sex relationships within the storyline.

What sets games like “The Last of Us” apart is its authentic representation of various forms of love. Just as “Arcane” beautifully illustrates the bond between parents and children, siblings, friendships that evolve into brotherhood, heterosexual relationships, and queer connections; “The Last of Us” doesn’t shy away from portraying how complex and mature themes affect everyone, irrespective of their gender, religion, or cultural background.

Warning: Story spoilers for The Last of Us Part II and Season 2 of the TV show are present below.

The Lack of Good Romance in Video Games

In many video games, there aren’t too many deep portrayals of romantic relationships. However, some notable exceptions include Haven, It Takes Two, Uncharted, Final Fantasy, Yakuza, and The Legend of Zelda. Yet, this list doesn’t extend much further. Frequently, the romance in video games is more superficial or adheres to a standard that caters to the male gaze. Often, these romantic elements are used as additional layers for character development, rather than central themes. In settings where characters might perish, it becomes simpler to incorporate romantic relationships, as the danger faced by a loved one serves to intensify the stakes.

As someone deeply immersed in the world of gaming, it’s clear to me that Ellie’s journey, marked by themes of abandonment and vengeance, wouldn’t be complete without a significant romantic element. In the game Left Behind, we witnessed the profound impact of all kinds of love on Ellie, even as a deep connection transformed into something more, only to be cut short before it truly began. Some might argue that this portrayal of queer love added an edge to Ellie and The Last of Us, but let’s face it, this series resonates with fans regardless of Ellie’s sexuality – just take a look at the unwavering affection for Joel. What makes this representation of queer love effective is that The Last of Us is about so much more than just Ellie. It’s a testament to the power and versatility of love in storytelling, and it only adds depth to the narrative without being the sole focus.

The significance of her love story becomes apparent when she’s the leading character, serving as her motivations, limits she’ll cross, and who she considers in seeking vengeance. Notice the transformation in Abby – her counterpart. When the narrative shifts to Abby, we delve into her relationship with Owen (or lack thereof due to Abby’s decisions), which is just as crucial as Ellie’s storyline. This alternating perspective allows us to explore the evolution and influence of love on both characters. Furthermore, it demonstrates that queer love parallels straight love in this context.

What Makes Ellie and Dina’s Relationship So Special

In the captivating world of The Last of Us Part II, I’ve come to appreciate the intricacies that make Ellie and Dina’s relationship more than just a multiple-choice option. Unlike other relationships designed for entertainment or viewer satisfaction, this bond is instrumental in fleshing out who these characters truly are. It holds equal significance as the father-daughter connection between Joel and Ellie, the elder-younger sibling dynamic between Abby and Lev, and the brotherly bond between Joel and Tommy.

The writers’ decision to portray Dina as bisexual adds a layer of complexity that enriches the narrative. This aspect, present in all fiction, serves as a catalyst for conflict. Yet, much like straight love, their sexuality is subtly woven into the story and not the focus of any conversation. In The Last of Us Part II, this aspect is hinted at years before the events of the second game when Joel assumes Ellie to be straight.

In “Part II,” Ellie’s long-held apprehensions about loneliness and abandonment reach their climax. Throughout the story, she has expressed that everyone she loves either dies or leaves her, a prophecy that unfolds in various ways in this installment: the demise of Joel and Jesse, Dina’s pregnancy with Jesse’s child, Tommy’s sense of betrayal, and Dina and J.J.’s departure from Ellie. The motifs of desertion and control are recurrent in Ellie’s life narrative.

Ellie and Dina’s relationship in The Last of Us is intricate yet clear, much like the relationships depicted in other parts of the game. Their feelings for each other are subtly revealed, with their affection evident in Ellie’s journal entries and Dina’s actions at the party. Their interactions feel authentic, filled with chemistry and a steady stream of witty banter as you journey through Seattle and the surrounding lookout trails together. Love is demonstrated through their actions rather than spoken words; for instance, Dina was prepared to risk contracting spores when Ellie’s gas mask malfunctioned, showcasing her deep commitment to Ellie.

A profoundly moving moment that encapsulates the deep affection between Ellie and Dina occurs when Ellie re-enters the theater following her ordeal with Nora. The scene is largely devoid of dialogue, yet their expressions and actions convey a powerful narrative. Ellie avoids looking at Dina despite her tender gaze. This sequence is filled with poignancy, mirroring Ellie’s vulnerability. Dina’s touch serves as a soothing balm, offering comfort, validation, and reassurance to Ellie. Rather than exhibiting fear, Dina envelops Ellie, whispering that it’s alright because she recognizes Ellie’s remorse. This scene underscores the fact that Ellie remains within herself.

In this scenario, it’s clear that Dina values JJ and Ellie differently, as she first attends to JJ by offering protection and comfort before addressing Ellie’s needs. This depiction provides a more authentic portrayal of their relationship, emphasizing the challenges they face rather than focusing solely on their love for each other. Furthermore, it hints at Dina’s own struggles and emotional pain following recent events.

In this scenario, Ellie safeguards Dina in a physical sense, while Dina offers emotional support. The solitary instance when Ellie expresses her love for Dina occurs when she embarks on the search for Abby once more. As a queer individual myself, I can attest that the word ‘love’ is often excessively used within our community. In this relationship, its scarcity suggests that they seldom discuss their feelings, yet they are keenly aware of them through their actions. However, Ellie’s words seem to contradict this pattern, as Dina requests proof of her love, a requirement that has characterized their relationship all along.

Ellie and Dina’s bond feels authentic due to its mix of ups and downs. Their affection mirrors a familiar experience for many. The continuity in their relationship lies in their mutual efforts to safeguard each other and cherish the moments they spend together, living in an undead world where danger lurks around every corner. However, much like Abby and Owen, the longevity of Ellie and Dina’s relationship was cut short as Ellie’s single-minded pursuit for vengeance consumed her when they were together. The Last of Us teaches us that timing is crucial in every aspect of life.

Ellie and Dina Feel Real

I find myself yearning for friendships akin to Ellie and Dina’s, as they seem genuine. While we may wish for a fairy-tale ending for these characters, life rarely follows such scripts. Love depicted in video games often lacks substance or leaves us wanting more. Shows like Arcane and games like The Last of Us provide authentic portrayals of various kinds of love, enhancing the quality of our entertainment by avoiding overly idealized narratives. If Ellie and Dina’s relationship were flawless, it would detract from the poignant narrative of Part II, diminishing the gravity of its setting and storyline.

It’s essential for media to provide authentic portrayals of love, as they significantly influence our understanding of relationships. Idealized love stories are a myth, and we should avoid striving for an unattainable fantasy. Unfortunately, Ellie and Dina’s story doesn’t end happily in The Last of Us (mainly due to Ellie’s decisions), but that’s alright. Real-life, long-lasting love is not a fairy tale or a perfect image; it takes effort to sustain. This narrative in The Last of Us should become the norm in storytelling.

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2025-05-31 13:10