Resident Evil

An opaque virus escapes from a top secret laboratory, turning the people inside into ravenous undead and mutating the animals into feral, otherworldly beasts. In response, a government unit of heavy firepower is deployed to seal the facility and prevent contagion from spilling into the city. The sprawling complex becomes a claustrophobic maze of sterile hallways, dimly lit labs, and hidden chambers where danger lurks around every corner. Inside, the surviving researchers and responders must improvise under fire, ration scarce supplies, and rely on a few trusted allies as tensions flare between secrecy and duty. The clock ticks as containment plans falter and the building hums with the threat of catastrophe.

Directed by Paul W S Anderson, this film adapts Shinji Mikami's popular video game into a brisk horror action ride released in 2002. It established a particular look and feel that would define the series in years to come.

With a budget of $33,000,000 the movie earned $102,984,862 worldwide, signaling a solid return on investment and helping to launch a long running franchise. Its performance strengthened the studio's willingness to invest in more video game adaptations.

It helped anchor a wave of video game to film adaptations and cemented Milla Jovovich as the franchise's enduring lead. The movie's slick production design, fast paced action, and in your face monster designs left a lasting imprint on genre cinema and inspired later installments. Its look and iconography influenced video game adaptations and zombie thrillers that followed.

Critics were mixed noting sharp set pieces and strong visuals while pointing to thin plotting and dialogue. The film wrestles with themes of corporate secrecy, unchecked experimentation, and survival under pressure, delivering a claustrophobic, adrenaline fueled experience that resonates with fans who crave brisk genre storytelling. Audiences appreciated its pace and spectacle in noisy theaters everywhere.