‘Resident Evil’ And Post Apocalyptic Nihilism

Part four of a five part series. A film series based on the renowned video game franchise, this essay aims to explore the representation of “passive nihilism” within Resident Evil. 

This spine-tingling horror series has spanned almost 12 years, soon to welcome the franchises sixth installment in 2015. Set in a post-apocalyptic “Racoon City,” Resident Evil follows a story of salvation through the key character of Alice; the epitome of a “Martyr” within the post-modern condition. She opposes Nietzsche’s view to live a life based on impulse by instead existentially choosing to make amends for the chaos she feels she has created.

RESIDENT EVIL (2002)

*Main character Alice as female “Ubermensch” with near-impossible combat skills. Feminist perspective indicates she is somewhat objectified, as red dress connotes seduction and lust. (1:40)

*Genetically mutated beasts as represented evil, referred to as ‘Lickers’ on account of their lengthly, outstretched tongues. (1:50)

*Metallic typeface connotes a sharp, edgy, clinical feel, derivative of destination ‘The Hive;’ an underground laboratory/“empty vessel serving as a vehicle for the desires of the sacrificer.” (30, 2 minutes)

*‘The Red Queen’ assumes control of the facility through technological advancements. Computer has been humanized; modelled on the daughter of an ‘Umbrella’ scientist. (2:05)

With its release, Resident Evil offered the audience genetically enhanced mutants through metaphysical means. Humans were developed as weapons-in-themselves with Alice, a rather Croft-like figure, becoming the exception to the rule as she successfully overcomes her newly found “superhuman” capabilities. As former head of security at totalitarian establishment “The Hive,” Alice represents Locke’s “blank slate” as she attempts to regain control; battling against modern humanized technology. “A human being, like a god, could be strongly or weakly charged, depending on how perilous, how respected he or she was.” (24) In Heideggerian terms, humankind attempts to overcome all in a battle against the rise of science and technology, even in death.

*WRITTEN AS PART OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER'S PHILOSOPHY MAGAZINE. READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE HERE.