Director Zach Cregger’s “Resident Evil” movie, released September 18, has garnered widespread critical praise, smashing the record for the highest-rated video game adaptation on the Tomatometer. While critics have lauded the film, longtime fans of the original survival horror game series by Japanese company Capcom might find themselves with questions regarding its narrative direction. The game series began in 1996, originally featuring operatives Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine investigating a mutagenic virus developed by Umbrella Corporation. Over time, the “Resident Evil” universe expanded with iconic figures like Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield, and Ada Wong, alongside several prior movie adaptations, which were generally not well-received. Cregger’s adaptation, however, diverges by introducing a new central character.
The film introduces Bryan, a hospital courier portrayed by Austin Abrams. Bryan, about to finish his shift, accepts an additional delivery job—transporting what is supposedly an organ to Raccoon City Hospital. This decision is driven by desperation, revealed through a phone call about his partner's pregnancy. Abrams’ performance as the "hilariously incompetent" Bryan makes him a relatable figure for audiences.
As the drama unfolds, Bryan’s attempts to assist an infected woman on the road lead to a chaotic scene where he struggles with his aim, accidentally damaging his car’s engine. He then proceeds on foot into the "hellscape" of Raccoon City. Lacking the familiar characters and storyline, some fans might initially be perplexed by the film’s connection to the game series. However, Cregger, a self-identified "longtime fan," addresses this by weaving the core “Resident Evil formula” into every aspect of the movie, going beyond simple "easter eggs" or "clever nods." The film effectively embodies the survival horror genre. Bryan’s journey sees him seeking shelter in a nearby house to gather essential supplies like ammo, a shotgun, and provisions. The narrative highlights the increasing scarcity of his ammunition as he confronts various monsters and often misses his shots. During moments of intense action, the camera shifts to a first-person perspective, immersing viewers in Bryan’s desperation and the horror of his situation. The creatures encountered are consistent with the original series, featuring "disgustingly well-designed" tentacled dogs, mutated babies, and a recurring "amalgamated zombies" monster that acts as a final boss.
Bryan encounters two Umbrella agents who, in traditional fashion, perish shortly after their meeting. Before their demise, they inform him that the package he carries is a crucial cure destined for scientists at Umbrella Corporation. Bryan’s personal investment in delivering this cure intensifies after he is bitten by an infected child, placing him in a predicament familiar to several protagonists from the game series. He navigates through landscapes that, mirroring the games, are constrained by locks and boundaries, ultimately reaching the Raccoon City Hospital garage.
After speaking with one of the scientists, Bryan is directed to the top floor. Although instructed to take the stairs, the rapid progression of his infection and mounting fatigue compel him to use the elevator. Along the way, he confronts more enemies, eventually using his last bullet to defeat the formidable amalgamated monster and arrive at the laboratory. By this point, the virus’s effects are significantly advanced as scientists work to synthesize the cure. In a fast-paced and tense finale, Bryan succumbs to a rampage. By the time the cure is completed, only a few scientists remain. Bryan pleads with them for the injection, but their hesitation proves fatal as the virus fully consumes him, leading to their deaths.
The loss of the main character, while poignant, serves a deliberate purpose. By presenting Bryan’s efforts as ultimately futile, Cregger downplays the specific narrative to elevate the film’s true objective: to capture the visceral experience of playing “Resident Evil.” Cregger meticulously constructs the game’s framework within the movie, including its monsters, pacing, design, and atmosphere, effectively using Bryan as a "self-insert" for the player experience. This approach creates an equally exhilarating experience for both dedicated fans and newcomers to the series. Fans will recognize and connect with Bryan’s reluctance in certain tasks, his exasperation with his aiming, and his exclamations when facing monsters, as his journey mirrors their own gaming experiences.
The film’s final scene depicts a fully mutated Bryan standing on a precipice, illuminated by helicopter spotlights. This concluding image underscores that while Bryan’s specific story concludes, the “Resident Evil” universe persists as an "ever-expanding narrative" filled with heroes, enemies, and the potential for more films from Cregger.