Zach Cregger Is Inspired by the Original Video Games as He Creates His Own Terrifying World in “Resident Evil”

In PH cinemas Sept. 16

Teeth, tentacles, blood, and other horrors follow as the infected wreak havoc in the world of Resident Evil. Director Zach Cregger, along with his co-screenwriter Shay Hatten, and creature effects supervisor Shane Mahan came up with brand new creatures to roam around the environment. “Everything had to have a shock value and a sense of realism to play against the humor,” says Hatten.

Cregger also gave a nod to the games in creating the environment, inspired by his own experience in playing them. “If you’ve played the games a ton, you won’t be able to help but notice some of the healing spray cans and some of the green herbs,” says Cregger.

Watch the official trailer: https://youtu.be/xUhD0rM3qaA

In Resident Evil, medical courier Bryan (Austin Abrams) is tasked with transporting a package to Raccoon City. As he is going through his route, the night devolves, and zombies overrun the streets in a terrifying night of mayhem and destruction.

Another homage to the Resident Evil video games is the point of view Cregger decides to give the audience. “We are locked over Bryan’s shoulder because I’m really interested in honoring that video game language,” Cregger explains. “And with the games, you really are perched on the shoulder of someone. So, if Bryan is walking through a corridor, we’re mostly behind him. When he looks left, we swing over to see what he’s looking at. If he looks right, we kind of swing this way.”

Actor Austin Abrams comments that the world Cregger built is ramping up to be a great cinematic experience. “There’s a non-stop kind of energy to Resident Evil,” says Abrams, “and because it has both horror and comedic elements, you want to experience the film with others. You want to hear the reactions and the energy of those around you, who are screaming or laughing, or both.”

All of this is a labor of love as Cregger himself is a devoted fan, and he hopes that the fanbase, as well as new audiences are excited to see a brand new story set in an iconic world. “Going to see a horror movie in a theatre is a communal experience, and therefore you’re tapping into an energy that makes the experience greater than it would be if you’re sitting on your couch doing it all by yourself,” says the filmmaker. “And to be able to go on that roller coaster ride with a roomful of strangers, it just it makes the ride more fun.”

Resident Evil unleashes horror in Philippine cinemas, including IMAX, on September 16.