Kaitlyn Dever’s Role in The Last of Us: An Emotional Journey
Significant Plot Developments in Episode 2
In Episode 2 of Season 2 of The Last of Us, viewers were introduced to a pivotal character, Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever. The episode has set the stage for a dramatic shift in the narrative, showcasing Abby’s intense quest for vengeance against Joel (Pedro Pascal) following a personal tragedy.
The Heartbreaking Backstory Behind Abby’s Revenge
Dever’s portrayal of Abby carries a deep emotional weight, making her actions resonate with the audience. Following the shocking events of the episode, it became clear that Abby’s motivations would play a crucial role not just within the season but also potentially throughout the series.
Entertainment Weekly provided exclusive insights into this memorable episode, featuring interviews with Dever, Pascal, Bella Ramsey, and the show’s co-showrunners, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. These discussions revealed how a single scene can significantly alter a narrative and impact its characters.
Challenges Faced by Kaitlyn Dever
Notably, Dever’s preparation for the emotionally charged scene of seeking revenge was particularly poignant, having just experienced the loss of her mother shortly before filming began. She expressed, “To be as honest as possible, I will just say that my days leading up to this scene were horrible.”
In her Instagram tribute to her late mother, Dever shared her feelings of profound loss, stating, “I will be broken forever without you and I don’t know how I’ll go on.” This heartache accompanied her to the set, deeply influencing her performance.
Filming Under Emotional Duress
Dever disclosed that filming Joel’s death scene was her first experience on set with Pascal, which added complexity due to the scene’s significance. With her mother’s funeral just three days prior, Dever admits to being in a state of emotional fog during filming, which affected her typical preparation approach.
Despite the challenges, the collaborative environment fostered by the showrunners allowed Dever the necessary space to navigate her grief without compromising her professional commitments. Mazin indicated a clear understanding, remarking, “I’m not going to disrupt someone’s grieving process for their own parent, especially [with] a show that’s partly about the grieving process.”
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
Rather than adhering to her usual acting routine, where extensive memorization is a key preparation component, Dever noted that her personal circumstances led her to adopt a more instinctive approach. “I was able to sort of… just really let it go and not think about it too much because the words on the page are so powerful anyway,” she stated.
The Ongoing Impact of Abby’s Journey
As the season unfolds, Abby’s trajectory promises to be fraught with emotional intensity, driven by her quest for vengeance that mirrors themes of grief and loss inherent in the series. Viewers will undoubtedly be keen to see how Dever’s portrayal continues to evolve in response to these complex narratives.
