Resident Evil

Resident Evil is a solid horror film. I’m just not convinced it’s a particularly good Resident Evil film. Taken on its own, there’s plenty to enjoy. It’s tense, grim and claustrophobic, with some great creature horror and a constant feeling that something horrible is lurking just out of sight. When it fully commits to the horror, it works really well. There are some nice touches for fans of the games too. The typewriter, the herb, constantly checking how much ammo is left that feel ripped straight out of actually playing Resident Evil. I liked that they weren’t constantly shoved in your face either. They’re just there for people who recognise them. The comedy didn’t always work for me, though. There were moments where the film had built up some genuinely good tension only for a joke to come along and completely break it. Some of the humour lands, but other times it feels strangely out of place considering how dark and nasty the rest of the film can be. And despite all the references, I still rarely felt like I was watching Resident Evil. Take away the name and a handful of familiar elements and this could quite easily be its own standalone horror film. More than anything, this convinced me that Zach Cregger needs to direct a remake of The Thing. The claustrophobia, paranoia, isolation and creature work feel absolutely made for it. Give him an Antarctic research station, a group of people who don’t trust each other and some disgusting body horror and let him loose. Good horror movie. Questionable Resident Evil movie.