Maika Monroe stars in the newly released live-action trailer for Resident Evil Requiem, marking a return to horror for the actress. The trailer presents Monroe as a mother trying to survive the outbreak in Raccoon City during the 1990s.
The marketing campaign includes red posters appearing in major cities like New York and Los Angeles, featuring missing person photos with the tagline "Evil Has Always Had a Name." A QR code on these posters directs viewers to the trailer. Monroe’s character is new to the Resident Evil universe and is not based on any established game or film character.
Monroe described the filming as chaotic, with zombie extras roaming around amid cops, dogs, and smoke machines, making the set feel very authentic. The trailer was shot in Mexico City under director Rich Lee, known for his music video work with prominent artists.
The story focuses on a mother’s desperate attempts to protect her daughter from zombies and Lickers as chaos erupts around them. In a striking flash-forward, Monroe appears zombified, clutching a photo of herself and her daughter, highlighting the emotional core of the story.
Despite not being a gamer or familiar with the franchise beyond the Milla Jovovich film adaptations, Monroe embraced the project for its nostalgic setting and heartfelt narrative. She appreciated that it conveyed a fresh take on the Resident Evil lore through a short-film style.
Resident Evil Requiem’s plot follows FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft investigating mysterious deaths in an abandoned hotel, alongside agent Leon S. Kennedy. However, Monroe’s trailer thread remains an independent story within the broader universe.
Monroe’s involvement signals a promising step back into the horror genre after diverse roles, including her recent work outside horror. She expressed being selective about horror projects but emphasized her love for the genre.
In addition, Monroe gave an update on They Follow, the highly anticipated sequel to the cult indie horror It Follows. She indicated positive developments but remained cautiously optimistic about the project’s future.
Key points about the Resident Evil Requiem trailer include:
- Monroe stars as a Raccoon City mother during the initial virus outbreak.
- The production featured extensive zombie makeup and effects.
- The project offers a new narrative distinct from the main game storyline.
- Rich Lee directed the trailer, focusing on a 1990s aesthetic.
- The campaign involves an immersive marketing presence with posters and QR codes.
Viewers can experience Monroe’s intense dash through a zombie-infested Raccoon City in the trailer, which provides a haunting glimpse of the horror and humanity at the heart of the Resident Evil universe.
Read more at: ew.com
