Why This Resident Evil Movie Actually Works
45sChallenges preconceptions and hooks viewers with a bold take that the movie is great despite skepticism.
▶ Play ClipAI Summary
This video is a review of the 2021 Resident Evil movie, directed by Zack Kreiger. The reviewer recommends it even to skeptics, praising its short runtime, dark humor, and effective use of game-inspired horror elements.
Chapters
[00:00]
Recommendation for Skeptics
The reviewer advises skeptical viewers to set aside preconceptions and watch the movie, citing its 95-minute runtime as a positive.
[00:15]
Dark Humor and Tension
Director Zack Kreiger's signature dark humor keeps the audience guessing whether tension will resolve in a laugh or a scare.
[00:28]
Limited Cast Development
Other cast members receive little screen time, which may leave viewers wanting more from Raccoon City's residents.
[00:42]
Monster Design and Reactions
The monster design draws inspiration from the games, and Austin Abrams' shrieking reactions become increasingly appropriate as the creatures grow more disturbing.
[00:54]
Natural Game References
Game references like searching for ammo, spotting enemies, and reloading under time pressure are used to build dread rather than just cater to fans.
The reviewer concludes that the movie is a fun, fast-paced horror experience that respects the source material, and asks viewers if they plan to watch it.
💡 Key Takeaways
💡
Short Runtime as a Plus
Highlights the movie's efficient pacing as a key selling point.
🔧
Dark Humor Creates Uncertainty
Explains how the director's humor keeps the audience engaged and uncertain.
00:15
💡
Game References Build Dread
Shows how the movie uses game mechanics to enhance horror rather than just for fan service.
00:54Full Transcript
[00:00] Whatever your idea of what a good Resident Evil movie should be, I have to recommend to the skeptical to put that to one side and lock in for this one. Here are a few reasons why I think it's great. At 95 minutes, Resident Evil is here for a good time, not a long time.
[00:15] Director Zack Kreiger's signature sense of dark humor makes it impossible to get a read on if the tension he's building up will pay off with a laugh or a scare. Austin Abrams does an excellent job as the everyman witnessing the world fall apart around him.
[00:28] There's really not much time given to the other cast members, so if you're on the fence about the main character, you may find yourself wishing you'd gotten more time with other members of Raccoon City's citizenry. Kreger and team certainly take inspiration from the games when it comes to monster design,
[00:42] and Abrams' big shrieking reactions to those horrors feels more and more appropriate as the movie goes, because they get increasingly disturbing. The references to the Resident Evil games are implemented naturally and to great effect,
[00:54] Searching for ammo, spotting an oncoming enemy, reloading on a time crunch as that enemy closes distance, it's littered with touches like these that are actually used to ratchet up moment-to-moment dread and not just to pay lip service to gamers.
[01:07] Will you be watching Resident Evil? Let us know.
