Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City is a 2021 horror-action film that serves as a reboot of the Resident Evil film franchise. Directed and written by Johannes Roberts, the movie aims to stay true to the first two Resident Evil video games, bringing back the survival horror elements that made the series a fan favorite. Unlike the previous action-heavy installments, this film focuses on eerie environments, classic monsters, and a gripping story rooted in the original games.
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Cast and Crew – Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City
Main Cast
- Kaya Scodelario as Claire Redfield – A young woman returning to Raccoon City to uncover the Umbrella Corporation’s dark secrets.
- Robbie Amell as Chris Redfield – Claire’s older brother and a skilled S.T.A.R.S. officer investigating the Spencer Mansion.
- Hannah John-Kamen as Jill Valentine – A tough and resourceful member of the S.T.A.R.S. team.
- Avan Jogia as Leon S. Kennedy – A rookie police officer caught in the chaos.
- Tom Hopper as Albert Wesker – A S.T.A.R.S. officer with a hidden agenda.
- Neal McDonough as Dr. William Birkin – The scientist responsible for the G-Virus experiment that leads to the outbreak.
- Donal Logue as Chief Brian Irons – The corrupt police chief of Raccoon City.
Crew
- Director and Writer: Johannes Roberts
- Producers: James Harris, Hartley Gorenstein, Robert Kulzer
- Cinematography: Maxime Alexandre
- Music Composer: Mark Korven
- Production Companies: Constantin Film, The Fyzz Facility, Davis Films
- Distributor: Sony Pictures Releasing
Plot Summary – The Fall of Raccoon City
The story is set in 1998, following the decline of Raccoon City, once home to the powerful Umbrella Corporation. After years of illegal experimentation, the corporation abandons the city, leaving behind a deadly T-Virus outbreak that transforms the population into zombies and monstrous creatures.
Meanwhile, Claire Redfield returns to Raccoon City to warn her brother Chris about Umbrella’s dark secrets. As she arrives, rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy faces his worst nightmare on his first day at the Raccoon City Police Department. Meanwhile, the S.T.A.R.S. team, including Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, and Albert Wesker, investigates the mysterious Spencer Mansion, only to uncover something far more horrifying than they imagined.
As the infection spreads, Claire, Chris, Leon, and Jill must fight for survival, battling terrifying creatures while uncovering the truth about the Umbrella Corporation and its deadly experiments.
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City – Production & Budget
- Budget: 25 million dollars
- Box Office: 42 million dollars
Filming took place in Canada, primarily in Sudbury, Ontario, between October and December 2020. Johannes Roberts, a fan of the Resident Evil video games, aimed to recreate the dark and terrifying atmosphere of Resident Evil (1996) and Resident Evil 2 (1998). To enhance authenticity, the filmmakers paid close attention to game-accurate locations, creatures, and character designs.
Key Elements: What Makes It Stand Out?
Faithfulness to the Games
Unlike the previous Resident Evil films starring Milla Jovovich, this reboot follows the original games closely. The movie includes:
- Spencer Mansion and Raccoon City Police Department, two iconic locations from the games.
- Zombies, Lickers, and the G-Virus mutation, classic Resident Evil enemies in terrifying detail.
- Leon and Claire’s storylines merging with Chris and Jill’s mission, a direct adaptation of Resident Evil 1 and 2.
Horror Over Action
This reboot focuses on suspense, tension, and survival horror, moving away from the over-the-top action seen in the previous films. The movie uses:
- Dark lighting and eerie set designs to create a spooky atmosphere.
- Practical effects and classic jump scares to keep audiences on edge.
- Slow-burning horror moments rather than non-stop action sequences.
Nostalgia for Longtime Fans
Fans of the games will recognize:
- The typewriter save point in the police station
- Iconic monster transformations like William Birkin’s mutation
- Famous puzzle elements and key locations faithfully recreated
Critical Reception: A Divisive Reboot
Upon its release, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City received mixed reviews from both critics and fans.
What Fans Loved
- Faithful to the original Resident Evil video games
- Classic monsters, environments, and game-accurate elements
- A return to survival horror instead of action-heavy storytelling
Criticisms
- Some characters felt underdeveloped
- The film’s CGI effects were inconsistent
- The story felt rushed, especially with limited screen time for key characters
While some fans appreciated the darker, horror-focused approach, others felt that certain characters and moments from the game could have been handled better.
Will There Be a Sequel?
The film ends with a post-credit scene, hinting at a continuation featuring Ada Wong, one of the most iconic characters from Resident Evil 2. Despite the mixed box office performance, there is still a possibility of a sequel exploring more of the Resident Evil universe, potentially introducing Nemesis, The Hive, and other Umbrella experiments.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
If you are a Resident Evil fan, this movie is worth watching for its faithful recreation of the games, eerie atmosphere, and nostalgic elements. While it may not be a perfect adaptation, it is a step in the right direction for bringing the franchise back to its horror roots.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10
- Best for: Hardcore Resident Evil fans and horror lovers.
- Watch if you enjoy: Creepy, atmospheric horror with classic zombies.
- Skip if you expect: A deep, character-driven story or Hollywood-style action.
Review Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.