Language

English (en)

Prize Year

2024

Document Type

Unrestricted

Abstract

The zombie apocalypse genre has historically reinforced white, hypermasculine survivalist narratives, often marginalizing or erasing queer identities. However, HBO’s The Last of Us (2023) disrupts these conventions through its critically acclaimed third episode, Long, Long Time. This paper examines how the episode subverts traditional apocalyptic tropes by portraying a queer romance that challenges stereotypical masculinity. Through Bill’s transformation from a self-sufficient survivalist to an emotionally vulnerable partner, the narrative deconstructs the “transcendent white hypermasculine body” trope and offers a narrative in which queer love thrives despite the dystopian setting. This analysis explores the episode’s unique casting choices, portrayal of queer intimacy, and deviation from the “bury your gays” trope. This paper also contextualizes the episode’s cultural reception, including negative reception in the form of review bombing, as an indication of its broader societal impact. Ultimately, this paper argues that Long, Long Time demonstrates the genre’s potential to imagine more inclusive and transformative futures.

Comments

Dean James E. McLeod Freshman Writing Prize, 2024

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