Kaitlyn Dever’s Emotional Journey in ‘The Last of Us’
With the release of Episode 2 from Season 2 of The Last of Us, titled “Through the Valley,” viewers have been introduced to significant plot developments, particularly the character Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever. For those who have yet to watch, be warned—this article contains major spoilers.
Abby’s Role and Motivations
Abby’s journey is underscored by a profound desire for vengeance, particularly following the violent actions of Joel (played by Pedro Pascal). Few could have anticipated the intensity and swiftness of Abby’s revenge arc, and it appears that her character will play a pivotal role as the series continues to unfold.
Behind the Scenes: A Personal Connection
Entertainment Weekly recently provided an in-depth look into the making of this emotional episode, featuring insights from Dever, Pascal, and co-showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. Particularly moving is Dever’s recounting of her personal experience leading up to the episode’s filming.
A Heartfelt Loss
Tragically, just weeks before shooting her first scene in The Last of Us, Dever lost her mother following a prolonged battle with breast cancer. In an emotional Instagram post, she expressed her grief, stating, “I will be broken forever without you and I don’t know how I’ll go on.” This profound personal loss greatly influenced her performance.
The Impact of Grief on Performance
Dever’s initial scene involved a violent confrontation, challenging her both emotionally and logistically. Reflecting on this, she mentioned, “It was just a massive scene emotionally, and with blocking, too. There were so many moving parts and so many things to navigate.” She revealed that in the days leading up to this pivotal moment, she was enveloped in a state of sadness and disbelief.
The Showrunner’s Support
Recognizing the gravity of Dever’s situation, Mazin and Druckmann encouraged her to prioritize her grieving process over filming. Mazin noted, “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.”
Adapting to Circumstances
Despite her grief, Dever showcased remarkable professionalism, managing to fulfill her role. With a drastically altered routine—living mainly on donut holes and coffee—she approached her character in a different way. She shared, “I had a different approach, and I think that it really served the character in a lot of ways.” This organic adaptation helped her authentically convey the emotional heft required for her character.
A Powerful Performance
By embracing her unorthodox process, Dever found herself able to deeply connect with the material. “I was able to sort of… I don’t know, just really let it go and not think about it too much because the words on the page are so powerful anyway,” she explained.
Conclusion
Kaitlyn Dever’s portrayal of Abby in The Last of Us goes beyond acting; it is intertwined with her personal journey of loss and resilience. As viewers anticipate the unfolding narrative, Dever’s powerful performance promises to resonate deeply, reflecting the themes of grief and vengeance central to the series.