The Last of Us 2 blends its violent tragedies with heartfelt, sentimental moments. The Last of Us 2's narrative supports the idea that nobody operates under a cut-and-dry, black-and-white morality, and Ellie's conflict with Abby illustrates that point. Please note that this article will have MAJOR SPOILERS for The Last of Us 2.
The Last of Us 2's third act brings Abby and Ellie individually to Santa Barbara, California. Abby arrives there with Lev as they try to find any remaining Fireflies, but are ambushed and abducted by a malicious faction of slavers called the Rattlers. Ellie, who has already grappled with survivor's guilt and her compulsion to avenge Joel's death, heads to Santa Barbara sometime after Abby has already arrived there to confront her once more. Recently, a creative fan has constructed a fantastic art piece representing the moment when Ellie encounters Abby again.
AP-the-RD shares an incredible diorama render of this particularly tragic and emotional sequence from The Last of Us 2. AP-the-RD's diorama depicts the tense moments where Abby carries Lev to the boats on the shoreline, while an injured Ellie slowly follows them. The diorama portrays this sequence with great accuracy, presenting authentic-looking grass and sand textures as well as thoroughly detailed character renders. The diorama's base features Ellie's switchblade beneath large, bold lettering for The Last of Us 2's title font.
Ellie is a beloved character for fans who have stuck with her for the past two games. When Abby murders Joel at the beginning of The Last of Us 2, it can be easy to antagonize her without having the appropriate context needed to comprehend it. But because players spend such ample time with Abby's character in The Last of Us 2, her perspective is understood and fleshed out to the point where players may not want either Abby or Ellie to hurt one another.
AP-the-RD's diorama illustrates a moment that appears to suggest Ellie is freeing Abby and Lev and wishes to go their own ways. But The Last of Us 2 fans know that this moment of respite precedes more violence that the player does not wish to take part in, but is forced to nonetheless. It is a heartbreaking sequence to play through, and the diorama perfectly captures the tangible tension that has built between Ellie and her perception of Abby since the beginning of the game.
The Last of Us 2 is available now on PS4.
Source: Reddit