Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) – A Return to Survival Horror Roots

 

Introduction

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) is a reboot of the Resident Evil film franchise, aiming to bring the series closer to its video game origins. Directed by Johannes Roberts, this installment focuses on faithfully adapting the beloved horror atmosphere of Resident Evil (1996) and Resident Evil 2 (1998).

With a darker, grittier tone, and a setting that pays homage to the classic survival horror elements of Capcom’s games, Welcome to Raccoon City introduces a fresh cast, staying true to the series’ roots in fear, suspense, and atmospheric tension.

Plot Overview

Set in 1998, the film tells the story of Raccoon City’s downfall, weaving together the storylines of Resident Evil 1 and 2 into a single cohesive narrative. The Umbrella Corporation, once the lifeblood of Raccoon City, has abandoned the town, leaving behind a population unknowingly on the verge of biological disaster.

We follow Claire Redfield (Kaya Scodelario), who returns to Raccoon City to warn her brother, Chris Redfield (Robbie Amell), about Umbrella’s sinister experiments. Meanwhile, Leon S. Kennedy (Avan Jogia), a rookie cop, and Jill Valentine (Hannah John-Kamen), a member of S.T.A.R.S., find themselves trapped in a city overrun by the T-Virus outbreak.

As the zombie apocalypse unfolds, the characters must navigate through iconic locations like the Spencer Mansion and the Raccoon City Police Department (RPD) while uncovering Umbrella’s horrifying secrets.

Character & Performance Analysis

Kaya Scodelario as Claire Redfield

Kaya Scodelario brings a determined, rebellious energy to Claire, making her a strong protagonist. As the film’s emotional core, Claire’s backstory and motivations are better developed than in previous adaptations, making her a relatable and engaging lead.

Robbie Amell as Chris Redfield

Amell delivers a solid performance as the stoic and loyal Chris Redfield. His dynamic with his sister Claire feels genuine, and his combat-heavy role helps emphasize Chris’s military-style skills.

Avan Jogia as Leon S. Kennedy

A controversial casting choice, Jogia’s portrayal of Leon Kennedy deviates from the confident, skilled rookie of the games. Instead, the film presents Leon as inexperienced and comedic, which disappointed some long-time fans.

Hannah John-Kamen as Jill Valentine

John-Kamen’s portrayal of Jill Valentine captures her tough yet resourceful nature. However, her screen time is limited, leaving many fans wanting a deeper exploration of her character.

Tom Hopper as Albert Wesker

A major departure from the calculating and sinister Wesker of the games, Hopper’s version starts off as a morally conflicted officer rather than the iconic mastermind villain. This change divided audiences, as it removed much of Wesker’s menacing presence.

Faithfulness to the Video Games

One of Welcome to Raccoon City’s biggest selling points was its faithful recreation of locations and key story elements from the original PlayStation games.

✔ Spencer Mansion & RPD are near-perfect recreations ✔ Iconic scenes like the first zombie encounter are accurately adapted ✔ Classic Resident Evil puzzles, documents, and Easter eggs are included ✔ Lisa Trevor makes her film debut, adding a new layer to the horror

However, while the environments and atmosphere are spot-on, some character interpretations and pacing choices feel rushed, limiting deeper emotional investment.

Cinematography & Horror Elements

The film leans into classic survival horror aesthetics, utilizing dim lighting, claustrophobic settings, and slow-building tension. Johannes Roberts takes clear inspiration from John Carpenter’s horror films, particularly in the use of suspense-driven scares rather than constant action.

While some creature designs are effectively terrifying—such as Lisa Trevor and the Lickers—others, like William Birkin’s final form, suffer from rushed CGI.

Weaknesses & Criticisms

Despite its faithful setting and horror elements, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City struggles with pacing issues, underdeveloped subplots, and character misrepresentation.

❌ Rushed storyline – Combining Resident Evil 1 & 2 leads to crammed storytelling ❌ Leon’s drastic character change – A major point of contention among fans ❌ Lack of time for character development – Many characters feel underutilized ❌ CGI inconsistency – Some effects don’t match the high-quality environments

Comparison to Paul W.S. Anderson’s Resident Evil Films

Unlike Paul W.S. Anderson’s action-heavy Resident Evil films, Welcome to Raccoon City focuses more on horror, tension, and mystery, making it feel closer to the games. However, Anderson’s films had better action choreography and a more cohesive cast dynamic.

Feature	Welcome to Raccoon City	Anderson’s RE Films
Faithfulness to Games	✅ High	❌ Low
Horror Atmosphere	✅ Strong	❌ Weak
Character Development	❌ Rushed	✅ More Time Given
Action Sequences	❌ Limited	✅ High-Energy
Story Cohesion	❌ Mixed	✅ More Streamlined

Why You Should Watch Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City

1. Faithful Horror Atmosphere – Perfect for fans of classic survival horror
2. Nostalgic Locations & Easter Eggs – Brings iconic game environments to life
3. A More Game-Accurate Approach – Unlike previous films, this one tries to stay true to the series’ horror origins
4. Engaging Monster Designs – Features Lickers, Zombies, Lisa Trevor, and Mutated Birkin
5. A Standalone RE Experience – No prior knowledge of Anderson’s films required

Final Verdict

⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City is a love letter to the original games, packed with game-accurate settings and chilling horror moments. However, rushed storytelling, inconsistent character interpretations, and limited action prevent it from reaching the full potential fans had hoped for.

While it succeeds as a horror-driven adaptation, it may not fully satisfy those looking for a balance of action, deep character exploration, and spectacle. Still, for die-hard Resident Evil fans, it’s a must-watch to see the world of Raccoon City brought to life.

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