Let me start by making something perfectly clear. I am not a video game person.
Never have been.
And when it comes to Resident Evil, I am probably the last person anyone would expect to be reviewing this movie. I haven’t played the games, I haven’t followed the franchise, and I haven’t watched the previous films. So, unlike the devoted fans who walked into the theater with years of expectations, I went in knowing very little about what I was getting myself into.
And perhaps that was the best way to experience it.
Directed by Zach Cregger, the filmmaker behind Barbarian and Weapons, this new installment takes audiences into the terrifying world of Raccoon City, where an ordinary night quickly turns into an absolute nightmare.
The story follows Bryan (Austin Abrams), a medical courier who is simply trying to complete a delivery. Sounds easy enough, right?
Well, not exactly.
What begins as a routine assignment quickly spirals into a horrifying fight for survival, complete with infected humans, grotesque creatures, and enough blood and gore to make even the most seasoned horror fan squirm.
And poor Bryan has absolutely no idea what he’s gotten himself into.
Neither did I, for that matter.
What I appreciated about Resident Evil is that the movie doesn’t require you to know anything about the franchise to enjoy it. You don’t need to recognize the characters, understand the history of Raccoon City, or have spent countless hours playing the games. The film introduces its own story and allows you to experience the madness alongside its main character.
And trust me, there is plenty of madness.
Cregger wastes very little time throwing us into the action. Once things begin to unravel, the movie rarely gives you a moment to catch your breath. Just when you think Bryan has escaped one terrifying situation, something even more disturbing is waiting around the corner.
The suspense is effective, the atmosphere is unsettling, and the creature designs are downright disgusting.
I mean that as a compliment.
But what really makes this movie work is Austin Abrams.
Rather than giving us the typical action hero who somehow knows how to operate every weapon and survive every impossible situation, Abrams plays Bryan as an ordinary guy who is completely overwhelmed by everything happening around him.
He’s frightened. He’s confused. He makes questionable decisions. And sometimes, his reactions are so ridiculous that you can’t help but laugh.
Honestly, I found that refreshing.
There is something entertaining about watching a character who reacts to danger the way most of us probably would. He isn’t trying to save the world or prove how tough he is. He’s simply trying to make it through the night alive.
And with every new nightmare thrown his way, you can’t help but root for him.
One of the more surprising aspects of the film is its humor. For a movie filled with so much violence and horror, there are genuinely funny moments scattered throughout. Cregger seems to understand that sometimes the best way to break the tension is to allow the audience to laugh before terrifying them all over again.
It’s an interesting balance, and for the most part, it works.
Visually, the film is impressive. The dark environments, eerie lighting, and unpredictable creatures create a constant sense of uneasiness. There are moments when you find yourself scanning every corner of the screen, convinced something horrible is about to jump out.
And chances are, you’re probably right.
However, as entertaining as the movie is, it isn’t without its flaws.
The story moves at such a frantic pace that there isn’t always enough time to develop the characters or give the audience much of an emotional connection beyond Bryan’s immediate struggle to survive. At times, it feels like we’re moving from one horrifying encounter to another without much opportunity to understand the bigger picture.
And while I appreciated the nonstop action, I would have liked a little more substance behind some of the chaos.
The ending also feels somewhat rushed compared to everything that comes before it. After spending so much time building suspense and putting Bryan through one nightmare after another, I wanted a conclusion that felt a little more satisfying.
Still, I can’t deny that I was entertained.
And that brings me back to my original point.
I am not a gamer. I have no loyalty to Resident Evil. I don’t know which characters are supposed to appear, which creatures are fan favorites, or whether this movie stays faithful to the source material.
And you know what?
I didn’t.
