The new film adaptation of Capcom's Resident Evil franchise, directed by Zach Cregger, delivers a fast-paced and humor-infused survival horror experience that prioritizes the spirit of the games over strict plot adherence. Arriving in theaters on September 18, the 95-minute film centers on Bryan, a medical courier played by Austin Abrams, who accepts a high-priority delivery to Raccoon City General Hospital. The narrative quickly escalates as Bryan encounters a zombie less than ten minutes into the film, setting a brisk pace for the ensuing chaos.
Cregger successfully balances the franchise's inherent campiness with genuine tension, leveraging Bryan's unpreparedness for comedic effect. This dark comedic streak is a signature of Cregger's, providing an effective counterpoint to the unfolding Raccoon City incident. While some meta-commentary on the video game origins falls flat, the film largely succeeds in adapting the source material for a cinematic medium.
Austin Abrams shines as Bryan, offering a more grounded and relatable protagonist than the typical action-hero mold associated with Leon Kennedy or Chris Redfield. Abrams’ performance, building on his previous work, carries much of the film as Bryan navigates increasingly bizarre and terrifying scenarios. His reactions to the escalating horrors, often played for laughs, underscore a subtle character arc focused on managing anxiety amidst escalating monster attacks.
The film distinguishes itself with creative and unsettling creature designs that evolve beyond standard zombies, embodying the Lovecraftian influences present in the Resident Evil games. These mutants, lovingly rendered with oozing, thrashing detail, are central to the film's escalating dread. Director Cregger effectively uses these encounters to create uncertainty and suspense, turning classic gameplay moments like searching for ammunition or reloading under pressure into palpable cinematic tension. The cinematography by Dariusz Wolski enhances this, frequently adopting a third-person perspective that mirrors the games and emphasizes Bryan's vulnerability. The score by co-composers Ryan and Hays Holladay further complements the atmosphere with a discordant yet playful tone.
While the supporting cast delivers competent performances, their roles are largely confined to brief expositional scenes, offering little room for deeper development. Characters like Paul Walter Hauser's Umbrella Corporation functionary briefly illustrate the organization's malevolence but are quickly overshadowed by the film's relentless pace. The primary focus remains on Bryan's harrowing journey and the array of well-realized mutants he encounters.
Ultimately, Resident Evil is a compelling survival horror story that leverages Cregger's directorial sensibilities and Abrams' charming performance to create a memorable and exciting experience that effectively captures the feel of the games.