Resident Evil: Afterlife Review: A Critical Look At The Fourth Installment

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

4.4

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Action and Gore: A Bloody Spectacle or Overkill?

Resident Evil: Afterlife significantly ramps up the action compared to its predecessors. The film embraces a larger scale, utilizing expansive locations and numerous undead to create intense, adrenaline-pumping sequences. This is further enhanced by the use of 3D technology.

The Scale of the Action:

• Large-scale action sequences: The film features several memorable large-scale action sequences. The prison breakout is particularly noteworthy, showcasing Alice's powers and the sheer number of zombies. The helicopter fight is another standout, filled with intense aerial combat and close calls.
• 3D's impact: The use of 3D enhances the visceral experience of these action sequences. The splattering blood, the chaotic movement of the zombies, and the close-quarters combat all feel more immediate and intense in 3D.
• Analysis: While the increased scale provides a spectacle, some may find the sheer volume of action excessive. The constant barrage of attacks can become somewhat overwhelming, potentially diminishing the impact of individual moments. The effectiveness of the 3D also varies; while enhancing some scenes, it feels unnecessary in others.

The Gore Factor:

Resident Evil: Afterlife doesn't shy away from gore. The film features numerous scenes of graphic violence, showcasing the brutal nature of the undead and the devastating consequences of their attacks.

• Examples of gory scenes: The countless zombie kills throughout the film, particularly those involving Alice's powers, are quite graphic. The prison sequence, in particular, is drenched in blood and violence.
• Analysis: The gore is a key element of the film's aesthetic, contributing to its intense and visceral atmosphere. However, some viewers might find the level of gore gratuitous and excessive, detracting from the overall narrative. Compared to previous films, Afterlife significantly increases the gore factor, potentially alienating some viewers.

Character Development and Story: A Familiar Face-Off or a Letdown?

While the action is undeniably a focal point, Resident Evil: Afterlife's character development and story are less successful.

Alice's Evolution:

Alice, played by Milla Jovovich, continues her evolution as a powerful, near-superhuman figure.

• Key moments showcasing Alice's powers: Her telekinetic abilities and enhanced combat skills are prominently featured throughout the film, with many action sequences specifically designed to showcase her prowess.
• Analysis: Alice's evolution, while consistent with the series' trajectory, might feel somewhat predictable. The film focuses less on the emotional impact of her powers and more on their destructive capabilities.

Supporting Characters and Their Roles:

Resident Evil: Afterlife introduces and reintroduces several supporting characters. Familiar faces like Claire Redfield (Ali Larter) and Chris Redfield (Wentworth Miller) return, bringing some familiarity to the narrative.

• Key supporting characters: Claire and Chris add emotional depth and help connect the film to the broader Resident Evil storyline. However, their roles are relatively limited within the grand scheme of the action-heavy plot.
• Analysis: The supporting characters, while recognizable, largely serve to advance Alice's narrative. Many feel underutilized, lacking the depth and development seen in previous installments.

Visual Effects and Cinematography: A Feast for the Eyes or a Visual Mess?

Resident Evil: Afterlife utilizes impressive visual effects and cinematography, particularly in its use of 3D technology.

3D Technology and its Impact:

The film's 3D presentation aimed to enhance the immersive experience.

• Specific examples where 3D enhanced/detracted: The 3D worked effectively in enhancing the scale of the action sequences, but in slower moments, it felt largely unnecessary.
• Analysis: The 3D technology was a significant aspect of the film's marketing, and while it does add a layer of visual spectacle, its implementation isn't always consistent or effective.

Overall Visual Style and Direction:

The film maintains a dark, gritty aesthetic consistent with previous entries in the series.

• Use of color, lighting, and camera angles: The film utilizes dark colors, stark lighting contrasts, and dynamic camera angles to create an intense and atmospheric experience.
• Analysis: Visually, Afterlife is a well-crafted film; the use of color and lighting effectively complements the overall tone and atmosphere. The visual style is consistent with the previous films, although arguably leans more heavily into the action-oriented aesthetic.

Comparing Afterlife to Previous Installments: A Worthy Successor or a Falling Star?

Resident Evil: Afterlife attempts to build upon the established lore and narrative of the previous films, but its success is debatable.

Plot and Narrative Consistency:

The film tries to expand the overarching narrative of the Resident Evil series.

• Comparison of plot points and themes to previous films: While it connects to previous events and characters, the plot is relatively straightforward compared to its predecessors, feeling somewhat less intricate and complex.
• Analysis: Afterlife builds upon certain plot points from earlier films but lacks the narrative complexity found in earlier entries. The connection to the broader Resident Evil universe feels less substantial than in previous installments.

Overall Quality Compared to Other Films in the Series:

Resident Evil: Afterlife sits somewhere in the middle of the pack in terms of overall quality.

• Comparison to other films: Compared to the first film and Resident Evil: Extinction, Afterlife delivers on action but falls short in narrative depth and character development. Compared to the more action-focused Resident Evil: Apocalypse, it offers a similar level of action but with a less cohesive plot.
• Analysis: While visually impressive and delivering on action, Afterlife's narrative shortcomings and relatively underdeveloped characters prevent it from matching the highs of the better entries in the series.

Conclusion:

Resident Evil: Afterlife presents a mixed bag. While its impressive action sequences and 3D effects deliver a visually stimulating experience, the film struggles with character development and a somewhat convoluted narrative. Whether you consider it a successful addition to the franchise depends on your priorities. If you're looking for a visually stunning zombie-slaying spectacle, Afterlife might satisfy. However, those seeking a deeper narrative experience might find it lacking. Ultimately, a viewing of Resident Evil: Afterlife is a worthwhile exercise for any fan of the franchise to form their own critical opinion. Have you seen Resident Evil: Afterlife? Share your thoughts and review in the comments below!