The Resident Evil franchise is one of those oddities that refuses to die, no matter who is showrunning or leading the latest reboot attempt. I enjoyed the early videogames and left it at that rather than pursue every iteration. Whether they are interpreted as a comic book, novelization or film, the premise will never change: can I (as a player rather than character) figure out what is happening in the location I’m at and stop the zombie apocalypse?
As other chapters unfold introducing operatives like Leon Kennedy and a survivor of day zero, namely Jill Valentine, the fondness depends on whether the character involved is likeable or not. If I had to say which film is the better of the two “reboots,” I prefer Welcome to Raccoon City more. There’s more personalities, and plus, Neal McDonough is in it!
In the latest cinematic adaptation, Bryan (Austin Abrams) is kind of like Ferris Bueller. He gets wrapped up in the shenanigans and chaos as he wanders from one situation to another. All he wants to do is simply transport another package to the city, and go home so he and his partner can figure out what to do next in their relationship. He’s avoiding responsibility, and that plot element is what keeps this film engaging. No matter how hard he’s trying to do good, things go from bad to worse, since nobody expected a zombie pandemic to strike!
And we’re not supposed to know how it’s spread. As this courier wipes out his car and needs to finish this job (it supposedly pays well so he’s determined), just what happens next is a nice tribute to the games of yore. I won’t pretend to say I recognized every easter egg. There’s enough to hatch a small family, and as for how faithful this film is to those early games? I’d say there’s enough to satisfy the fandom. As for honouring the spirit, what’s presented is just as good, and the twist is perfect! Not only does Bryan have to fight his way out with only one weapon but also, he has a purpose: to deliver the package or die trying!
Honestly, all I wanted from this film is to see what Lovecraftian-inspired monsters are being put on display rather than expect a typical zombie film. These days, whenever I hear there’s another Resident Evil film, I know not to expect anything based on folklore. Instead, it’s all about what Umbrella Corporation can frankenstein up! When the T-Virus was designed to create super soldiers by enhancing strength, it seems nobody considered checkpoints to control aberrant mutations. And as for whether there’s a hive mind for them all to communicate by, I suspect that’s not the case in any game, movie or other narrative.
It’s because of that where I find a problem with how some monster driven stories function. Various writers and directors are forgetting what’s essential to this survival genre. It’s kill or be killed, and along the way, we get a bigger backstory concerning why these heroes are unable to prevent the zombie apocalypse! Zach Cregger’s film almost fits into this category because we’re seeing what happens when the virus is allowed to get loose.
And he’s introduced a new character who is likable. And we’re sympathetic to his domestic issue of not wanting to settle down to have a family. Half his encounters with the mutates are symbolically meaningful. Can he help the lost child? Can he save the person he ran over on the lonely road? And how about those ranchers? I won’t say if he succeeded or not, but oh boy. If running away is the only choice, I can’t say I blame him!
Cregger’s movie secretly explores all of the above, and it’s more noticeable with a second watch. Also, it’s worth noting that this film is set during an alternate timeline following the events of Resident Evil 2. Also this filmmaker co-wrote the script with Shay Hatten (John Wick, Army of the Dead) and this movie certainly makes frequent callbacks to their past work.
And when nightmares do come back the very next day, if not later on in this film, it’s safe to say no cats were found harmed during the making of this film. Instead, what’s offered does tie in to the idea of “building a family,” and those who have seen this film or will see this film will get what I mean by the time the finale hits, and all I have to say is Wilbur Whateley has a brother in arms!
3 Stars out of 5
Resident Evil (2026) Movie Trailer
