Zach Cregger, the director behind the recent Resident Evil film, has revealed the two key cinematic influences that shaped his vision for the project: Sam Mendes's war epic "1917" and Sam Raimi's cult classic "Evil Dead 2."
Cregger described the combination as "like if those movies loved each other very much," highlighting a unique blend of visual style and tonal elements. While "1917" is celebrated for its groundbreaking single-shot cinematography and immersive war setting, "Evil Dead 2" is renowned for its over-the-top gore, dark humor, and kinetic energy. The director noted that "1917" was structurally the closest influence, particularly in its technique of presenting a continuous, unbroken narrative flow. This approach likely informed the Resident Evil film's presentation, which has been praised for feeling akin to a single, unfolding questline, much like a video game.
The film's structure, which aims to mimic the progression of a video game level, appears to be a deliberate choice that Cregger sought to replicate cinematically. The comparison to "1917" centers on this sense of continuous action and immersion, while the inclusion of "Evil Dead 2" suggests a willingness to embrace the more visceral and perhaps even absurd elements of the Resident Evil franchise. This juxtaposition of a high-minded war film and a schlocky horror-comedy indicates an ambitious attempt to capture the multifaceted spirit of the source material.
Cregger shared these insights via Rotten Tomatoes, with the discussion being amplified on social media. The film's unique approach has resonated with audiences and critics, drawing parallels to the immersive and often intense experiences found within the Resident Evil video game series itself.