Director Zach Cregger, known for his work on breakout horror films like Barbarian and Weapons, has delivered a deliciously grotesque adaptation of the Resident Evil franchise. The film masterfully captures the inherent dread and often frustrating experience of navigating horror video games, making it a standout entry for both fans and newcomers alike.
The movie opens with Bryan, a medical courier played by Austin Abrams, tasked with delivering an organ to Raccoon City. The mention of the game's iconic, zombie-infested locale elicited a delighted groan from the audience at a recent screening, setting the tone for the film's playful engagement with the source material. Throughout the film, Cregger cleverly incorporates references and game-like logic that, while not explicitly breaking the fourth wall, certainly leave their mark.
As Bryan's delivery mission goes awry and the zombie apocalypse begins to spread, the narrative unfolds with a familiar, yet engaging, progression. His journey takes him from a seemingly safe rural house through increasingly perilous environments like a creepy tunnel and a sewer system, all while he gradually upgrades his arsenal from a pistol to a shotgun and eventually a machine gun. Abrams shines as a relatable, bumbling protagonist whose instinct to panic in the face of overwhelming horror provides both tension and humor. His character's awkward aim and moments of stunned disbelief as monsters approach are particularly effective.
Cregger's use of video game logic is a key element in the film's success. A recurring gag involving indestructible padlocks, which in games require finding a key, humorously highlights the limitations players often encounter. Similarly, the seamless transitions between dangerous encounters, where a pursuing monster might suddenly vanish as Bryan moves to a new area, mimic the level-based progression of gaming.
While Bryan's journey is largely solitary, as is common in many Resident Evil games, the film benefits greatly from a brief sequence featuring an Umbrella Corporation agent played by Paul Walter Hauser. The chemistry between Abrams and Hauser is palpable, suggesting a compelling dynamic that could have anchored the entire film, and perhaps hints at a potential direction for future installments.
Early comparisons of Cregger's Resident Evil to Mad Max: Fury Road have been described as a stretch. Unlike Fury Road's relentless pace and distinct visual style, Cregger's film offers a bleaker, more contained story. However, it successfully weaves itself into the larger franchise lore without disrupting existing canon. The film is a thrilling and effective horror experience, blending humor, gore, and suspense with a unique appreciation for the Resident Evil games.
Ultimately, Resident Evil delivers on its promise of being a frightening, funny, and visually striking film that captures the essence of playing a horror game. The film's success may even inspire viewers, much like the reviewer, to revisit the games themselves, proving that even in the face of Cronenbergian horror, taking one step forward can be a rewarding experience.
Resident Evil is scheduled to release in theaters on September 18.