Teeth, tentacles, blood, and plenty of nightmare fuel await audiences in Resident Evil, as director Zach Cregger creates a terrifying new chapter inspired by the iconic video game series.
Together with co-screenwriter Shay Hatten and creature effects supervisor Shane Mahan, Cregger developed a collection of brand-new monsters designed to make the infected world feel frightening, unpredictable, and disturbingly real.
Everything had to have a shock value and a sense of realism to play against the humor, says Hatten.
Familiar Details for Resident Evil Fans
While Resident Evil tells a new story, longtime players may spot plenty of familiar details along the way.
A devoted fan of the games himself, Cregger drew inspiration from his own experiences exploring their eerie environments, including some recognizable items scattered throughout the film.
If you’ve played the games a ton, you won’t be able to help but notice some of the healing spray cans and some of the green herbs, says Cregger.
Watch the official trailer:
One Terrifying Night in Raccoon City
In Resident Evil, medical courier Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, is tasked with transporting a package to Raccoon City.
What begins as another route quickly spirals into a nightmare.
As the night unfolds, zombies overrun the streets, plunging Bryan into a terrifying wave of mayhem and destruction. Surrounded by infected creatures and escalating danger, he must navigate a city rapidly descending into chaos.
And for fans of the games, Bryan’s journey may feel surprisingly familiar.
Bringing Video Game Language to the Big Screen
Cregger also pays tribute to the visual language of the Resident Evil games through the film’s camerawork.
Rather than simply borrowing recognizable monsters or locations, the director wanted audiences to experience the action from a perspective reminiscent of playing the games themselves.
We are locked over Bryan’s shoulder because I’m really interested in honoring that video game language,” Cregger explains. “And with the games, you really are perched on the shoulder of someone. So, if Bryan is walking through a corridor, we’re mostly behind him. When he looks left, we swing over to see what he’s looking at. If he looks right, we kind of swing this way.
The approach places viewers close to Bryan as he moves through dark corridors and threatening environments, making every turn feel more immediate.
Horror, Humor, and Non-Stop Energy
For Abrams, Cregger’s interpretation of Resident Evil is built to be experienced with a crowd.
There’s a non-stop kind of energy to Resident Evil,” says Abrams, “and because it has both horror and comedic elements, you want to experience the film with others. You want to hear the reactions and the energy of those around you, who are screaming or laughing, or both.
That combination of horror and comedy gives the film another layer of unpredictability. One moment may bring nervous laughter, while the next could unleash another grotesque creature or terrifying encounter.
A Labor of Love for Zach Cregger
For Cregger, bringing Resident Evil to cinemas is also deeply personal.
As a longtime admirer of the games, the filmmaker hopes devoted fans will recognize his affection for the franchise while newcomers discover an entirely new story within its iconic world.
Going to see a horror movie in a theatre is a communal experience, and therefore you’re tapping into an energy that makes the experience greater than it would be if you’re sitting on your couch doing it all by yourself, says the filmmaker. “And to be able to go on that roller coaster ride with a roomful of strangers, it just it makes the ride more fun.
With zombies roaming the streets, original creatures lurking in the darkness, and plenty of nods waiting for eagle-eyed gamers, Resident Evil promises a thrilling new trip into Raccoon City.
Resident Evil unleashes its terrifying world in Philippine cinemas, including IMAX, on September 16. Distributed locally by Columbia Pictures PH.
