In a world where video-game adaptations can struggle to impress, director Zach Cregger provides a fresh approach, and reaps the reward, writes Dan Ball.
After the success of Barbarian and Weapons, Cregger seems to have become a bit of a niche favourite among horror fans, particularly for his original film ideas.
So it’s understandable that some fans were a little nervous to hear that Cregger’s third film would be an already established title: Resident Evil.
But fear not, for he has once again developed an original plot, enhanced by elements of Resident Evil lore, while also keeping the signature elements of horror seen in his previous films.
The plot is ridiculously simple. Bryan, a medical courier played by Austin Abrams, has to simply transport a preserved donated organ from one hospital to another. Sounds straightforward enough, doesn’t it?
Naturally, he ends up stranded on his way there after experiencing something very unsettling. What follows is 90 minutes of Bryan running away from zombified humans and grotesque mutated…things while simultaneously repeating a single expletive.
A very valid reaction, I feel, and probably very accurate to someone sitting down to play a Resident Evil game. That’s exactly what this did. It immersed you in the action, especially with its over-the-shoulder camerawork following behind Bryan — just like the later Resident Evil games do.
Beyond the reasonable chaos of running, screaming and shooting at frenzied creatures, you’ll find fantastic world-building. We get several references to important Resident Evil beats like Raccoon City and Umbrella. Indeed, the final act takes place in Raccoon City, as Bryan continues his traumatic journey but crucially, the story deliberately remains clouded in mystery. This gives it a much more sinister tone where the scariest parts are the things you don’t know.
The ending, while abrupt, really emphasises the desperate situation the film establishes and at the same time, leaves plenty of mystery still to be explored. I don’t know if a sequel is planned, but it sets one up effortlessly. There’s room for many more entries into a rebooted franchise.
So, while Cregger is clearly capable of working with existing IP, I still prefer to see his own ideas put on screen. His talent for making engaging, gripping horror is unmistakable.
8/10
