Tomb Raider Netflix series’ PTSD focus was something game writers “weren’t allowed to explore”, Rhianna Pratchett says

Lara Croft's Psychological Journey: Exploring the Depths of PTSD in the Tomb Raider Franchise

The Netflix animated series "Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft" has received mixed reviews since its launch, but one particular element has caught the attention of Rhianna Pratchett, the writer behind the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot. Pratchett has praised the series for its exploration of Lara Croft's post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following her harrowing experiences on the island of Yamatai.

Uncovering the Untold Psychological Depths of Lara Croft

Embracing Lara's PTSD Journey

Rhianna Pratchett, the acclaimed writer who helped shape the narrative of the 2013 Tomb Raider reboot, has expressed her approval of the Netflix series' decision to delve into Lara Croft's psychological struggles. Pratchett revealed that she and the narrative design team at Crystal Dynamics had previously pitched the idea of "playable nightmares" to explore Lara's PTSD, but the concept was ultimately not implemented in the games. The Netflix series, however, has seized the opportunity to showcase Lara's haunting flashbacks and nightmares, providing a deeper insight into the emotional toll of her experiences on Yamatai.Pratchett's praise for the series' exploration of Lara's PTSD highlights the importance of addressing the psychological impact of the character's harrowing adventures. By shedding light on the aftermath of Lara's ordeal, the Netflix series has the potential to offer a more nuanced and empathetic portrayal of the iconic heroine, resonating with audiences on a deeper emotional level.

Expanding Beyond the Artifact Hunt

Pratchett also expressed her appreciation for the Netflix series' focus on Lara Croft's personal life and relationships, beyond the traditional artifact-hunting narrative. She noted that Lara's personal struggles, friendships, and navigation of the real world have always been intriguing areas to explore, as evidenced by her own work on the Tomb Raider comics.In the comics, Pratchett and fellow writer Gail Simone delved into Lara's interactions with her best friend, Sam, and the challenges they faced together. These moments, such as Sam defending Lara with a "close-combat cupcake" or Lara taking on adversaries in the London Underground while dressed as a Bennet sister, offered a refreshing and lighthearted counterpoint to the high-stakes adventures.By expanding the narrative focus to include Lara's personal life and relationships, the Netflix series has the potential to humanize the character and provide a more well-rounded portrayal. This approach aligns with Pratchett's belief that exploring the "blurry line where the hero meets the human is always wonderfully fertile ground."

Honoring the Tomb Raider Legacy

The Tomb Raider franchise has a rich history, spanning multiple games, comics, and now a Netflix animated series. Pratchett's involvement in the 2013 reboot and her subsequent work on the comics have given her a unique perspective on the evolution of the Tomb Raider narrative.As the franchise continues to evolve, with a new Tomb Raider game in development by Crystal Dynamics and Amazon, as well as a Tomb Raider TV project with Phoebe Waller-Bridge attached, the importance of honoring the character's legacy and exploring new narrative avenues becomes increasingly crucial.The upcoming remastered versions of Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Tomb Raider: Chronicles, and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness, set to be released next year, also serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of the franchise and the desire to revisit and reimagine its classic entries.As the Tomb Raider universe continues to expand, the Netflix series' focus on Lara Croft's psychological journey and personal life represents a promising step in the character's evolution. By delving into the depths of her PTSD and exploring the nuances of her humanity, the series has the potential to offer a fresh and compelling perspective on the iconic adventurer, resonating with both longtime fans and new audiences alike.