THE WASTELAND AWAITS
Post-apocalyptic drama Fallout shows the potential of video game adaptations
In recent years, avid gamers have been treated to a slew of live adaptations of their favourite video games, many of which have been executed admirably. Last year, HBO’s
The Last Of Us set a high bar for quality adaptations with its post-apocalyptic narrative that remained faithful to the source material and garnered widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike.
Now, Prime Video has entered the arena with Fallout, an eight-episode series that delves into the richly imagined world of an iconic video game franchise that has captivated gamers since the mid-90s.
Set in a future ravaged by nuclear devastation,
Fallout transports viewers to a world where survivors are forced to seek refuge in underground bunkers to escape the deadly effects of radiation, mutated creatures and lawless marauders. When the inhabitants of these once-luxurious fallout shelters are compelled to emerge and confront the irradiated wasteland left behind by their ancestors, they are thrust into a perilous and unpredictable new reality. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Fallout franchise or a newcomer to the post-apocalyptic genre, the inaugural season is a captivating blend of dark humour and thought-provoking sci-fi drama.
Fallout has a distinct retro aesthetic, which immediately sets it apart from other post-apocalyptic dramas. Despite being set in a distant future, the series evokes a visual style reminiscent of the Old West, creating a unique and evocative backdrop. With acclaimed creators
Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy serving as executive producers, Fallout benefits from their expertise in crafting a complex and visually stunning world, as demonstrated in their previous collaboration on HBO’s Westworld.
From the crumbling ruins of once-great cities to the rusted remnants of pre-war technology, every aspect of Fallout’s visual design contributes to the creation of a world that feels simultaneously familiar and alien. The inclusion of period-appropriate soundtracks from the 1950s adds an additional layer of authenticity to the setting.
Of course, no post-apocalyptic drama would be complete without its share of monstrous creatures and sinister adversaries, and the series delivers on this front. From grotesque mutants to giant cockroaches, the visual effects in Fallout are impressive.
But it is the characters of Fallout that truly elevate the series. Led by a talented cast including Ella Parnell as Lucy the optimistic Vault Dweller with an American can-do spirit, whose peaceful and idealistic nature is tested when she is forced to the surface to rescue her father.
Meanwhile, Aaron Moten plays Maximus, a young soldier who rises to the rank of squire in the militaristic faction called the Brotherhood of Steel who will do anything to further the Brotherhood’s goals of bringing law and order to the wasteland.
Last but not least, Walton Goggins plays The Ghoul, a morally ambiguous bounty hunter who holds within him the history of the post-nuclear world. Despite their disparate backgrounds and motivations, these characters are united by a common thread of mystery and intrigue that binds them together throughout the course of the series. The pacing is quick from the get-go because of a tragic incident forcing Lucy to leave the vault and travel to the surface. Her acting is brilliant as her naivete is stripped away slowly by ongoing discoveries of the real world on the surface. She’s innocent and pure at the start, but through discovery, her worldview shifts as we watch her navigate new realities. It’s almost like we experience the same things as she does, and I found it engaging and entertaining.
The latter half of the series introduces a sense of foreboding as the scenes are designed to obscure details, so that if Lucy or any other character begins to feel suspicious about a situation, they can’t put their finger on it. The show keeps items from us along with the characters so that as they discover the truth, so do we, and that’s what makes it fun.
Fallout is evidence of how to do video game adaptations. With its immersive world, compelling characters and stylish visuals, the series offers a fresh and exciting take on the post-apocalyptic genre that will resonate with fans old and new. As someone who doesn’t know much about the games, this is still a very enjoyable series and I’m looking forward to seeing where the show takes us next.