How Zach Cregger's Resident Evil Delivers a Subversive and Shocking Ending

Zach Cregger's Resident Evil concludes with a subversive and shocking ending that diverges from the traditional triumphant resolutions seen in other films based on the video game series. The story follows medical courier Bryan Hodukavich, portrayed by Austin Abrams, who is thrust into a nightmarish fight for survival against the mutated creatures unleashed by the Umbrella Corporation.

With scarce ammo, numerous obstacles, and limited knowledge of high-caliber firearms, Bryan must navigate the horrors of Raccoon City General Hospital to obtain the final ingredient needed to synthesize a cure to the virus.

Despite facing a horde of zombies, an acid-vomiting monster, and an infected maternity ward, Bryan manages to reach the secure lab on the 28th floor of the hospital. However, just as he hands the key to the cure to a team led by Umbrella Corporation scientist Carl, Bryan himself starts to transform into a grotesque amalgamation of limbs and tentacles. As the team completes the antidote, Bryan's mutated limbs brutally kill the scientists before dragging their corpses into Bryan's body, leaving him even more monstrous.

In a final and bleak twist, Bryan knocks the syringe of cure from a scientist's hand, causing it to crash down onto him from the 28th floor. The screen cuts to black, leaving the audience to contemplate the futility of Bryan's efforts and the ultimate failure of his quest for survival. While the ending may be seen as mean-spirited by fans hoping for a conventional Resident Evil final boss battle, Cregger expresses satisfaction with his choice, stating, "That is perfect."

He adds, "I remember when I thought of that moment and that was an 'aha' moment. I was excited. I was like, 'That is perfect.'" Despite Bryan's tragic end, Cregger hints at the possibility of further Resident Evil stories, revealing, "I can’t help thinking about other places this story could go."