The 2002 film adaptation of Resident Evil, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, offers an entertaining zombie action experience that bears little resemblance to its video game inspiration. While it succeeds as a standalone creature feature, fans seeking a faithful adaptation of Capcom's survival horror series may find themselves disappointed by its deviations from the established lore and characters.
The movie centers on Milla Jovovich as an amnesiac protagonist and Michelle Rodriguez as a hardened survivor, tasked with investigating the Hive, a secret bioweapon research facility gone rogue. When the facility is sealed by its artificial intelligence and overrun by the undead, the survivors must fight to escape.
As a Resident Evil property, the film falters. It opens with a lavish mansion, hinting at the puzzle-box horror of the original game, but quickly transitions to a sterile, high-tech research facility. Crucially, the movie eschews familiar characters like Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, and Leon S. Kennedy in favor of an entirely original cast. Without the presence of iconic characters and with only occasional glimpses of the Umbrella Corporation logo, CGI Lickers, and a memorable scene involving aggressive dogs, it's difficult for gamers to recognize it as an adaptation.
Despite its departure from the source material, the film stands on its own as a competent zombie movie. Anderson effectively crafts thrilling set pieces and gruesome kills for the disposable characters trapped within the Hive. The film also notably passes the Bechdel Test, a rare feat for a franchise often perceived as male-dominated, with Jovovich and Rodriguez's characters sharing meaningful interactions independent of male characters.
While the movie may not satisfy purists, it offers enough zombie-genre thrills and girl-power action to be an enjoyable ride. The decision to create original characters and a new narrative, while alienating to some fans, can be seen as a strategic choice to appeal to a broader audience unfamiliar with the Resident Evil games. The film's producer expressed hope that future installments would better bridge the gap between the cinematic and gaming universes.