Critics are saying that the film properly adapts elements of the games. Wondering how? Well, here are a couple reasons why Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil is one of the most skilled adaptations of a long-time beloved video game.
He's a Fan
Having gone on record multiple times, Cregger is not afraid to shout about his utter love for the RE game franchise. His background as an RE fan truly shows up in every aspect of this film. From the ammo checks to the green herb easter egg, it’s clear that Cregger knows his stuff. The weapon-acquisition in the film is also extremely similar to the games, with the main character starting off with a handgun and eventually leveling up to that of a machine gun. Other easter eggs, such as handguns/knives being alternatives to opening padlocks, are also present within the film.
The film is clearly overflowing with love for the original games, as most of the cinematography attempts to emulate the gaming experience for the average theater-goer. The third-person camera angles, practical effects, and first-person sequences will instantly remind you of the stressful but enticing cutscenes and quick-time events present within the game series.
Similar to the games, Cregger also has a fantastic grasp on suspense and tension. For example, the main character, Bryan Hodukavich (Austin Abrams), is a normal guy. He has no combat training or gun experience and yet finds himself battling zombie-like creatures in order to make a delivery to the Racoon City General Hospital. The stakes are high, as we quickly learn that Bryan’s girlfriend, Michelle (Sara Paxton), is newly pregnant and he is desperate to make it home to finish an important conversation with her. With spoilers in mind, the film connects deeply with the games by providing a series of small obstacles and stalking antagonistic creatures similar to that of Nemsis and Mr. X. The jumpscares are quite intense and almost unforeseeable, so make sure to hold on tight to your popcorn.
He Understands Novelty
The most important aspect of Cregger’s Resident Evil is that it pays homage without being a carbon copy. While there are many easter eggs or similarities to the games throughout the film, there is just enough newness within the movie to satisfy every viewer's desire for novelty.
For example, Bryan’s inexperience with combat is similar to many RE protagonists, such as Ethan Winters and Grace Ashcroft; however, his journey as a courier purposefully going deeper into Racoon City is extremely different from most RE protagonists. While Cregger alludes to Leon Kennedy and Jill Valentine with mentions of the Raccoon City police force and its downed communications, neither character appears within the film, allowing Cregger’s Resident Evil to essentially be a true standalone project.
In addition, the monsters and zombified creatures of Cregger’s RE aren’t the same as the ones in the games. These creatures do, however, hold abilities similar to most of the creatures within the games. This allows audiences of every kind to thoroughly enjoy each monster they see. RE fans get to spend their viewing experiences dissecting each monster and connecting their abilities to the ones from the games. Newcomers to the RE world get to have an experience separated from the RE game universe, which cultivates a sense of inclusion instead of exclusion.
Simply put, Cregger doesn’t want audiences to play all 9 games, their many spinoffs, and remakes before watching the film. It’s clear his main desire is to introduce and entice his audiences into the extremely interesting world and gaming experience that is Resident Evil. If you feel an intense desire to play the games after watching, then that’s also an amazing plus.
If you were debating on whether you’d go watch Resident Evil in theaters, we can guarantee that there is no better way to experience this labor of love than in a comfy theater seat with some popcorn, perfect for throwing at every scare!
