WHAT WE’RE WATCHING: Resident Evil — a horror video game adaptation with a wicked sense of humour
While it’s probably too far removed from its source material narratively to please hardcore fans who want to see their favourite Resident Evil characters and storylines on the big screen, Zach Cregger’s reboot successfully captures the spirit, the rules and the essence of the game franchise that spawned it.
Resident Evil, the horror video game adaptation, has been reimagined by Zach Cregger in a way that successfully encapsulates the spirit, rules, and essence of the game franchise. While the film may not please hardcore fans who desire the original characters and storylines, it manages to capture the absurdity and immersive fun of the Resident Evil video games, which have been around for 30 years.
The game franchise is renowned for its unique premise: the undead are a result of pharmaceutical experimentation, with various virus strains (such as the t-Virus) mutating some of the infected into unstoppable beings. The lore includes cults, clones, vampires, crystalized babies, presidential rescue missions, toxic moss, and more, making it a ridiculous and entertaining combination.
Previous adaptations of Resident Evil, such as 2021's B-grade Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, the six Resident Evil movies, and Netflix's unhinged series, have struggled to balance fidelity to the source material and good storytelling. However, Cregger's reboot sidesteps established franchise characters and plotlines, except for the big daddy event that initiates the story.
Bryan, the original character introduced in the film, is a medical courier dealing with personal issues. He takes a last-minute, late-night job transporting a package to Raccoon City General Hospital in the snowy Colorado mountains, which leads to a nightmare evening filled with monstrous encounters. The film leans into the body horror aspect of Resident Evil mutations, delivering both fright and humor in equal measure.
While the film is fast-paced and peppered with striking cinematography, its final quarter falls short, with the sinister organization Umbrella Corporation being portrayed as incompetent lab techs and corporate middle managers. This abrupt ending is divisive, but the film's first 94 minutes are a visceral rollercoaster, running the emotional gamut from terrifying to tongue-in-cheek.
Despite its flaws, Resident Evil masterfully captures the spirit of the game franchise, making it a must-watch for both fans and casual viewers alike. The film is currently playing in cinemas.
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