The Legacy of George A Romero’s Resident Evil

Experience the “Darkest Day of Horror the World Will Never Know” 

George A Romero’s Resident Evil, a review by Jenna Jarvis

Much like the “godfather of zombie movies” as he is repeatedly referred to within Brandon Salisbury’s documentary, I am not a gamer. But also like Romero, I carry an immensely fond respect for the Resident Evil franchise. They have a particular tone, straddling real horror with puzzles that escape it, campy outfits and regular thematic knocks against corporate greed consuming the world. I even love the film franchise as it is for whatever the hell it is.

Anderson, one of the great cinematic wife guys loves his beautiful wife and so do I. In the middle of an era of truly great and iconic action-horror franchises this isn’t one of the greats (Matrix, Blade) but it sits comfortably in the company of the thrilling and enjoyable (Van Helsing, Underworld).

There is a real attention to honour the aesthetics and eventually the characters of the games, but a strategic enough departure made from them to be loved as their own thing and grow their teen audience. This particularly was, according to the documentary, the real sticking point for Romero, who in his purgatorial time of almost making them, wanted to stay true to the games’ iconography, gore and all. 

The second horror creator approached for a script, Romero already had his misgivings regarding taking the franchise that he both did not have final creative control over and that was so undeniably (and well admitted by Mikami in quotes cited in the doc) inspired by his own work.

“I feel like I’m ripping myself off,” he was heard remarking on the set for his trailer for the second resident evil game, which acted something as a trial run for his film.

The excellent Praise of Shadows video essay on the full history of the existing film franchise covers much of this ground and possibly as extensively and I would definitely recommend it as a companion piece. (If you can now find it?) I love learning more about lost media, so I would still recommend Salisbury and team’s investigation, despite little of it surprising me. Though not short, there is always another argument or interview weaved in, and the music fits well and unobtrusively.

The choice to display older talking heads through TV set framing also doesn’t feel particularly dynamic though it is charming. But making the part we’re all here for, the hook of the unmade film script itself, being almost exclusively summarised by an unseen speaker feels almost egregiously anticlimactic.

Now, where the documentary gains its admittedly big heart is in the story around that story and who is telling it. For a man who doubted the efficacy of his own legacy right to the end I can’t think of anything more meaningful than multiple grown men all explaining his genius and specific kindnesses before weeping as they remember learning of his death. I’m happy to admit it got me.

In his 2017 Sight and Sound interview when discussing the films inspired by his work, Romero remarked on the homogeneity of the modern dead’s style and said he always liked including the differences: “something with a little more flavour”. It would have been great to feel more flavour in this in either style or content, but I can’t fault the topic or the sincere feelings of the people sharing them. As for the unmade script itself I’m now determined to hunt it down myself.

George A. Romero’s Resident Evil On Digital and On Demand January 7, 2025

Uncork’d Entertainment is set to release George A. Romero’s Resident Evil, an investigative documentary that dives deep into one of Hollywood’s most intriguing “what could have been” stories, shedding light on the vision of the legendary filmmaker whose contributions to the horror genre are unparalleled.

Directed by Brandon Salisbury, this highly anticipated documentary will explore the creative process behind Romero’s adaptation of the iconic video game, featuring exclusive interviews with cast and crew members, rare archival footage, and insightful commentary that highlights the challenges faced during production. Audiences can look forward to a comprehensive examination of the film’s legacy and its impact on both the horror community and popular culture at large, as it delves into the fascinating intersection of film and gaming. This captivating documentary will be available on Digital and On Demand starting January 7, 2025, allowing fans and newcomers alike to appreciate the depth of Romero’s genius and the potential of his unrealized work.

In 1998, Constantin Film set out to bring Resident Evil, the legendary horror video game, to the big screen, sparking immense excitement among fans of the franchise. They enlisted George A. Romero, the visionary director who redefined the zombie genre with his groundbreaking works, to adapt the project, believing that his unique storytelling style could capture the essence of the eerie and suspenseful game.

But despite the perfect pairing of horror’s greatest minds, Romero’s ambitious vision for Resident Evil was never realized, leaving fans to wonder what might have been. Now, for the first time, Salisbury’s documentary uncovers the hidden story behind the project that captivated fans and the horror industry alike, delving into interviews, archival footage, and behind-the-scenes insights that reveal the challenges and creative tensions that prevented the film’s production from moving forward. This exploration not only honors Romero’s legacy but also highlights the complexities of adapting beloved source material for the screen.

“George Romero gave birth to modern horror, the modern zombie, and ultimately Resident Evil,” says Salisbury. “I am honored to bring fans the untold story of his most important unmade project, to celebrate the legacy of the man that inspired me to pursue filmmaking as a career. I hope fans enjoy this ultimate experience in survival horror.” 

George A. Romero’s Resident Evil delivers an immersive, stylized experience, weaving together archival footage, newly uncovered documents, and fresh interviews with key personalities. Taking inspiration from documentaries like Jodorowsky’s Dune, Salisbury crafts a compelling narrative that revisits the people and the creative vision behind this unproduced adaptation. Through candid interviews with industry insiders, George A. Romero’s Resident Evil brings to light the enduring mystery and the ambitious spirit that could have redefined the franchise’s journey into Hollywood. 

“Uncork’d is honored to bring George A. Romero’s Resident Evil to fans who have long awaited the untold story behind this legendary, unmade project,” says Keith Leopard, President of Uncork’d Entertainment. “This documentary pays homage to Romero’s incredible vision and the power of storytelling that transcends what could have been. We’re excited for audiences to finally experience the mystery and legacy of his work in a whole new way.”