Ethan Carter
Three decades ago, a terrifying zombie dog charged down a hallway, marking the beginning of the unpredictable Resident Evil franchise. Each installment of this series, along with earlier films, fosters an atmosphere where surprises lurk around every corner. This boundless potential, filled with gruesome creativity, is what fuels every fright, twist, and unforgettable moment.
In the latest film bearing the Resident Evil name, co-writer and director Zach Cregger revels in delivering those shocking moments. Rarely can you predict what will unfold next. Even if you anticipate “what” occurs, you will be left guessing “who” or “how.” Frequently, Cregger defies your expectations, resulting in a film that keeps viewers engaged with an eclectic mix of elements. It delivers scares, humor, and shocking surprises. While there are minor shortcomings, the sheer enjoyment of the experience overshadows these flaws.
In this adaptation of Resident Evil, we follow Bryan (Austin Abrams), a medical courier given the daunting task of delivering a high-priority package to Raccoon City Hospital on a frigid, snowy evening. The contents of this package remain a mystery. What we know is that Bryan is a dedicated individual who believes his work is vital for saving lives. Once he embarks on his journey, he must continuously fight to save himself as everything spirals out of control almost immediately.
The essence of Resident Evil lies in escalation. Bryan’s obstacles and available resources begin modestly, but each scene amplifies the intensity. Reflecting the games, he acquires increasingly powerful weapons—starting with a handgun, then a shotgun, and eventually a machine gun. The antagonists also evolve from ordinary threats to increasingly bizarre and formidable foes. Throughout this chaos, Bryan does whatever it takes to survive, whether that involves blasting a creature’s head, breaking through a barricade, or venturing into a foreboding, shadowy tunnel.
Regardless of Bryan’s actions, expect them to be fresh and inventive. The overarching menace in the Resident Evil series has consistently been the Umbrella Corporation, a pharmaceutical giant responsible for creating viruses that transform humans into monsters. This film follows that tradition, but Cregger opts to feature a limited selection of familiar monsters from the franchise. Instead, he introduces a plethora of grotesque new creatures designed to terrify Bryan. While we won’t spoil any surprises, the audacity of each new monster contributes to the film’s escalating tension, often blending humor with horror.
While additional characters make brief appearances, the spotlight primarily shines on Austin Abrams. His performance transforms Bryan into a relatable protagonist—afraid yet resolute, confused yet heroic. He embodies more of a John McClane spirit than a John Wick persona, enhancing his relatability through moments of vulnerability and humor. Abrams understands the absurdity of the situation, responding with laughter in the face of unimaginable horrors.
As Bryan navigates this chaotic world, the audience experiences events through his eyes. If he doesn’t perceive something, we don’t either. Cregger skillfully reveals bits of the larger picture, allowing Bryan to gradually uncover the truth about his situation. This element of worldbuilding is a signature of the Resident Evil franchise. Although it’s somewhat limited in this film, Cregger integrates what exists effectively. Still, the focus on Bryan means we miss the broader implications of the chaos unfolding around him. The film occasionally hints at the global crisis but loses some of its signature tension by largely ignoring the apocalyptic stakes.
Cregger’s decision to present the story in real-time also prevents us from forming a deeper emotional connection with Bryan. While we witness his interactions with his girlfriend, Michelle, and the struggles he faces, Bryan’s intense focus on survival diminishes the emotional depth. We empathize with him, but the experience could have resonated more deeply.
Despite this, Cregger clearly prioritizes action and suspense over lore and emotional exploration. He aims to immerse the audience in a Resident Evil experience that captures the essence of the video game, complete with subtle nods, jump scares, bizarre creatures, and visceral action. In this regard, the film excels. Although it may not fully showcase Cregger’s capabilities, Resident Evil remains a standout in the realm of video game adaptations.
Resident Evil hits theaters on September 18.
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Daniel Mercer
