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Another year, another year Resident Evil project. Whether it’s a new entry in the video game franchise, a TV series, an animated film, or a feature film. Aside from the games, which have been pretty tight for the past decade or so, the beloved horror franchise has struggled in other media in some capacity. Now, it is directed by Zach Cregger Armaments, to try to remedy the history of this franchise in live action. Is it succeeding? Let’s find out.
Resident Evil takes place against the background Resident evil 2 new (the game), but instead of changing that game or using characters from any of the games, Cregger has chosen to tell a new story with a new main character that takes place at the same time that Leon and Claire are exploring the game. This time, we follow Bryan (Austin Abrams), a medical courier who is fired at the last minute to deliver a package to the Racoon City hospital. It’s last minute, and it’s late, so he pays extra, so of course Bryan accepts. Maybe he wishes he hadn’t.
What Cregger did so brilliantly and yet so cleverly, was to make this a compelling video game spectacle. Bryan is the player character and he actually spends most of the movie alone, reacting and talking to himself. He begins the film with no skills or knowledge, but as the film progresses, he effectively “grows up” by gaining new weapons, skills and understanding. This could be a real problem for most movies, as there isn’t much in the way of character for Bryan, but Abrams plays it so well that you’re on board for this survival ride.
Cregger also makes the film a joy to watch. There is a great need for lighting throughout the film, and the camera is constantly moving through the space. At times, the camera replicates traditional video camera angles, such as first or third person with the camera over the protagonist’s right shoulder. It is also really bloody and gory, with a lot of it seeming practical. There’s also a lot of love for the franchise, from a typewriter on a desk to a green box of shotgun shells hidden in a drawer, to a lock and keys. There’s even a new stalker enemy, and the overall monster designs throughout, while limited, capture a good spirit Resident Evil monstrosity, with eyes and tentacles for days.
The movie is also very funny. I wasn’t ready for how much I laughed watching this. You might think, well, that looks out of place, but the humor works. Bryan is largely alone after all, so his reactions to these shocking and strange events often lean into the absurd and keep the film from feeling too difficult and ambient. Not MCU-esque quips, but more WTF reactions. And it works.
In the end, I was surprised at how much I liked this explanation Resident Evil. It’s a completely original story that works for both fans and those who just want a good horror movie. It’s surprisingly funny and is enhanced by a great turn by Austin Abrams as Bryan and an ending that defies expectations. As far as video game adaptations that capture the spirit of gaming go, this one is unparalleled. Good time!
