Resident Evil: Afterlife Review: Survival Horror In 3D

Kenji Nakamura

6 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.2

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Story and Plot: A Continuation of the Undead Nightmare

Resident Evil: Afterlife continues Alice's (Milla Jovovich) relentless fight against the Umbrella Corporation and its army of undead. Picking up after the events of Resident Evil: Extinction, the plot finds Alice searching for survivors amidst the ravaged landscape of Los Angeles, now a sprawling zombie-infested city. The story progresses the Resident Evil narrative by introducing new characters and locations while expanding on the overarching conflict between Alice and the Umbrella Corporation's nefarious schemes.

• Alice's continued fight for survival against the Umbrella Corporation: The film focuses heavily on Alice's enhanced abilities and her determination to find a way to end the apocalypse.
• Introduction of new characters and their roles in the overarching storyline: We are introduced to key figures like Claire Redfield (Ali Larter), a recurring character from the games, and other survivors who add depth and complexity to the narrative. Their individual stories intertwine with Alice's, creating a more dynamic and engaging plot.
• Exploration of new locations within the Resident Evil universe: Los Angeles provides a stark and terrifying backdrop, showcasing the devastating effects of the T-virus outbreak. The film explores both familiar and new environments within the Resident Evil universe, offering a fresh perspective on the established setting.
• Comparison to previous Resident Evil films' storylines: While maintaining continuity with previous films, Resident Evil: Afterlife shifts the focus more towards action-packed sequences compared to the earlier installments' emphasis on survival horror elements, a key aspect to consider when evaluating the Resident Evil Afterlife plot.

Action and Horror: Delivering the Thrills

Resident Evil: Afterlife delivers on the action front with intense, large-scale sequences. The film utilizes the 3D format to its advantage, especially during the numerous zombie encounters. However, the horror elements are somewhat toned down compared to previous entries in the franchise. While jump scares are present, the overall atmosphere is more geared towards action than sustained suspense.

• Evaluation of the film's action set pieces - scale, intensity, and impact: The action sequences are impressive in scale, featuring huge swarms of zombies and elaborate fight choreography, maximizing the impact of the 3D effects in Resident Evil Afterlife action scenes.
• Assessment of the horror elements – jump scares, creature design, atmosphere: While jump scares are utilized effectively at times, the overall horror is less atmospheric and more reliant on spectacle than genuine dread. The creature design, however, remains consistent with the franchise's iconic zombies and mutated creatures.
• Effectiveness of the 3D presentation: did it enhance the experience?: The 3D definitely adds to the action sequences, making the zombie hordes feel more immediate and visceral. The effect is less pronounced in quieter moments, however.
• Comparison to other action horror films: Compared to other action horror films of the time, Resident Evil Afterlife successfully blends action and horror but perhaps prioritizes action over atmosphere.

Characters and Performances: Meeting the Survivors

Milla Jovovich delivers a strong performance as Alice, portraying her character's evolution from resourceful survivor to powerful warrior. The supporting cast provides adequate performances, each contributing to the overall ensemble. However, character development is somewhat limited, as many characters serve primarily as plot devices within the larger Resident Evil Afterlife story.

• Analysis of Milla Jovovich's performance as Alice: Jovovich embodies Alice's strength and determination, making her a compelling lead character throughout the Resident Evil movie series.
• Evaluation of the supporting cast and their contributions: The supporting cast, while functional, lacks the depth of character seen in some previous entries within the Resident Evil cast.
• Character development and arcs throughout the film: While Alice continues her arc, other characters' development is minimal, serving more as plot points than fully realized individuals.
• Comparison to character portrayals in previous films: The characters in Afterlife feel less nuanced compared to those in earlier films, reflecting the shift towards action over character development.

Visuals and Effects: A 3D Zombie Apocalypse

Visually, Resident Evil: Afterlife is impressive. The special effects, a mix of CGI and practical effects, create convincing zombies and action sequences. The 3D enhances the visual experience, particularly in the larger action scenes. The cinematography successfully creates a dark and oppressive atmosphere, suitable for the dystopian setting.

• Quality of the special effects (CGI, practical effects): The blend of CGI and practical effects results in a believable and visceral representation of the zombie apocalypse, making the Resident Evil Afterlife visuals impactful.
• Impact of the 3D presentation on the overall viewing experience: The 3D enhances the sense of scale and immersion in the action sequences.
• Cinematography and its contribution to the film's atmosphere: Dark and gritty cinematography builds the film's atmosphere, creating a suitably oppressive setting for the story.
• Comparison to other films with similar visual styles: Resident Evil: Afterlife's visual style stands up well against other action horror films of its era, particularly in terms of its special effects.

Overall Impression: A Worthy Addition to the Franchise?

Resident Evil: Afterlife is an undeniably action-packed entry in the franchise. While the story is relatively simple and character development is minimal, the film delivers on its promise of visceral action and impressive special effects. The 3D adds a layer of immersion, enhancing the scale and intensity of the zombie encounters. Whether it is a worthy addition to the Resident Evil movie ranking depends on individual preferences. Fans of action-heavy zombie flicks will likely appreciate it more than those seeking a deeper, more character-driven narrative.

• Overall rating and recommendation: A solid 3 out of 5 stars. Recommended for fans of action-heavy zombie movies and those who enjoy 3D experiences.
• Strengths and weaknesses of the film: Strengths: Action sequences, special effects, 3D presentation. Weaknesses: Simple plot, limited character development.
• Comparison to other Resident Evil movies: A more action-oriented entry than previous films, with less emphasis on horror atmosphere.
• Final thoughts on its place within the franchise: A fun, if not particularly groundbreaking, addition to the Resident Evil movie saga.

Conclusion:

Resident Evil: Afterlife attempted a bold move with its 3D presentation, adding a new layer to the ongoing battle against the undead. While the story may not satisfy every fan of the series, the action-packed sequences and solid performances make it a worthwhile watch, particularly for those seeking a visceral 3D zombie experience. Ultimately, whether you consider it a successful addition to the Resident Evil franchise depends on your personal preferences. But if you’re a fan of Resident Evil movies, or simply enjoy action-packed survival horror with impressive special effects, this is definitely worth checking out. So, grab your popcorn and experience the thrills of Resident Evil Afterlife for yourself!