Fallout review: A faithful adaptation that delivers a compelling post-apocalyptic tale

4/5

Story: In an alternate reality, post-World War II Earth witnesses a significant advancement in nuclear technology. It has rendered America a civilisation that resembles a retro-futuristic society. However, as the nuclear war, called the Great War, finally reaches mainland America in the year 2077, the privileged among the populace seek shelter in high-tech multifunctional fallout shelters or vaults in the guise of saving human civilisation. 200 years later, the peaceful colony residing inside Vault 33, is invaded by raiders from the surface, as they murder several people.

Review: When Amazon Studios announced that Jonathan Nolan and his wife Lisa Joy would be helming a series adaptation of Fallout, there was plenty of excitement amongst the Fallout gaming faithful. Apart from being the brother of Academy Award-winning director Christopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan is a well-respected and accomplished filmmaker in his own right. Jonathan Nolan has previously helmed acclaimed TV shows such as Person of Interest and Westworld, while Lisa Joy served as co-creator of Westworld and has also worked on hit projects such as Burn Notice. With the incredible success of HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us, the hype surrounding the Fallout TV series was certainly warranted. One might argue that hype need not always translate to quality, considering several TV shows in the past have failed to deliver despite prominent names being attached to these projects.

Fans of Fallout, one of Bethesda Game Studios’ flagship IPs, can rejoice as Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy have executed a near-perfect adaptation. While Bethesda boss Todd Howard might not be the most popular figure amongst the gaming community after the disastrous launch of Fallout 76, his involvement in the TV series, as executive producer, may have helped ensure that the series did not indulge in taking too many liberties with the source material. Howard confirmed that the TV series is set in the same continuity as the video games, and the decision to introduce an original story set within the same universe as the four primary Fallout games has also provided sufficient creative flexibility. In fact, it further expands on the lore of the games. The result is a fascinating exploration of a world rife with intriguing characters, subplots, and thought-provoking themes.

Ella Purnell, who plays the role of the protagonist, perfectly blends her character’s innocence, optimism, naivety, and her ability to quickly adapt to the harsh environment outside the vault with great finesse. Parnell is no stranger to TV adaptations of video games, after essaying one of the lead roles, as Jinx, in Arcane – Netflix’s outstanding adaptation of League of Legends. The audience is provided details about the post-apocalyptic wasteland through Purnell’s character Lucy MacLean. The writers have also deftly incorporated several mysteries into the narrative to elevate the level of suspense and intrigue significantly. Despite the series being set in the same continuity as the games, Lucy’s quest resembles ‘The Lone Wanderer’s’ mission from Fallout 3.

Veteran Hollywood star Walton Goggins slips into the role of Cooper Howard, a former Hollywood star who has mutated into a Ghoul and has been wandering the wastelands for 200 hundred years as a notorious and ruthless bounty hunter. Much of the narrative focuses on Cooper’s past, during events of the Great War, and his present, as someone who appears to have lost his humanity. And fans of Nolan’s Westworld might find a few similarities between Cooper and the ‘man in black’ from Westworld season one. Aaron Moten plays an overambitious member of the Brotherhood of Steel who struggles with his conflicting morality. Moisés Arias plays the role of Norman, Lucy’s brother, who is desperately in search of answers after the attack by the raiders.

The series does not shy away from its on-screen visualisation of gore and violence, as it perfectly fits into the chaotic world of Fallout. However, it is the narrative’s dark humour and satire which takes one by surprise, as it puts the series on a higher pedestal. As the series approaches its finale it asks pertinent questions about existentialism, survival, civilisation, and the fine line between right and wrong. More importantly, it examines the idea that granting unrestricted power and resources to giant corporations could lead to the downfall of civilisation, and how easily human beings can be dehumanised under delusional beliefs surrounding the ‘greater good'. Bringing out these themes with subtlety would not have been possible without the excellent performances of some of the supporting cast members including Sarita Choudhury, Kyle MacLachlan, Johnny Pemberton, Michael Emerson, Chris Parnell, Leslie Uggams, and Matt Berry among others.

Verdict: Fallout, the latest original series developed by Amazon Studios, delivers a riveting adaptation that is faithful to its source material. The Prime Video series offers a captivating insight into an alternate history of the world through meticulously crafted set designs, a gripping narrative rich in socio-political themes, and well-written compelling characters. The finale all but confirms that the showrunners have plans for a more expansive second season.

Fallout joins an elite list of critically acclaimed recent video game adaptations, such as Arcane, The Last of Us, Cyberpunk Edgerunner, and Castlevania, that have set a new benchmark in television.