One of the scariest moments I’ve had playing a video game was walking down a dark hallway in Resident Evil 2, having no idea what could jump out at me. Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil was that, but an entire movie.
The newest addition to the Resident Evil movie franchise, simply titled Resident Evil in classic adaptation fashion, was just released in theatres. The film is directed by Zach Cregger, best known for Weapons, and stars Austin Abrams, who also starred in Weapons last year. It’s about Bryan, played by Abrams, getting stuck in a mini-apocalypse.
There was a lot of controversy surrounding this film on whether it would be game-accurate or not, but I am happy to report that this may be the most video-gamey a movie has ever been. The locations are straight out of the games. There is even a sewers section; I don’t think it gets more faithful to the source material than that.
It reminded me so much of the structure of Resident Evil 2 or 3, just because of how I felt I was right there in Raccoon City. There are also a lot of interesting creatures, both new and old, that provide incredibly fun action sequences, despite how gross they are.
The cinematography is working overtime to make you feel like you’re in a video game, with a perspective that often looks over the shoulder of our main character or right through his eyes as he moves into an uncomfortable space.
Speaking of our main character, Bryan (Abrams) is the best part of this movie. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone play ‘normal guy stuck in the worst situation of his life’ so well. He is acting and reacting to everything so perfectly in this movie, fumbling around with weapons, screaming when he comes across any monster, and celebrating far too quickly. He was arguably my favourite part of Weapons, and he is absolutely my favourite part of Resident Evil.
The movie is also only 90 minutes, has some good scares, and is so much fun with a crowd. I recommend you see it at your local theatre immediately. One of this year’s best, for sure.
