Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness

Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness is a 2021 animated horror series that was debuted on Netflix, another form of entertainment sprung from the famous Resident Evil franchise – a household name in both video gaming and cinema worlds. Distinctive in its blend of action and horror, the Resident Evil series always delivers thrilling storylines filled with zombies, monsters, and dark heroes, aiming to save humanity from some prevailing catastrophe.

Infinite Darkness is not any different plot-wise; yet, it takes a remarkable lead by being the first full 3D CGI animated series in the franchise's history. The directors, Eiichiro Hasumi and Toko Machida, flawlessly convert the unique Resident Evil game atmosphere into high-resolution CG graphics, which is brought alive by the awe-inspiring, intricate work by the animation studio, Quebico, led by Kei Miyamoto, the producer of Resident Evil: Vendetta. It's as if you're watching a highly animated video game unfold, which will surely fascinate the traditional video game lovers of Resident Evil.

The setting is still as reminiscent and nostalgic as ever: a dark and brooding world on the brink of a viral outbreak that threatens to leave the planet in ruins, overridden with blood-thirsty ghouls and nightmarish creatures borne of a viral infection. Use of spectacular lighting and shadowing effectively intensify the ominous tone the series is known for.

The series nurtures the gloomy plot with the protagonist duo of the former special forces member and current federal agent, Leon S. Kennedy, and the computer hacker turned TerraSave member, Claire Redfield, who experience a mysterious zombie outbreak in different parts of the world. Leon and Claire are two familiar faces for any Resident Evil fan, having been main characters in many preceding adaptations, from the original video games to the cinematic universe.

The four-episode series opens with Claire's investigations into a drawing by a refugee child, which seems to depict a zombie, right before an outbreak in the White House – The President’s home, which Leon is supposed to protect. Along the way, the viewers are met with notes of political intrigue, tale of foreign lands, and the all-pervading, ominous umbrella of a deadly viral outbreak that may or may not have been an accident. What starts as simple investigations soon intertwines into a complex web of sinister conspiracies, leading our characters into unimaginable horrors they must fend off and survive.

The narrative never completely abandons its survival horror roots, providing viewers with plenty of nail-biting suspense and action sequences. Zombies retain their terror quotient, and the series does a commendable job of maintaining intense atmospheres, chases, and fight scenes. For fans seeking that familiar thrill of strategically fighting off hoards of undead, the combat scenes won’t disappoint.

Character-wise, Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness lives up to expectations. Leon S. Kennedy is as cool and composed as ever, his unwavering spirit in the face of terror providing a much-needed anchoring point within the chaos. Claire Redfield, while remaining resolute and brave, adds a layer of compassion and empathy to the character dynamic. Their previous encounters with such horrors offer them a unique standpoint, allowing them to face fear in the face once again amid grim circumstances.

The elements of political intrigue and covert ops make the story more appealing to a wider audience, reaching beyond the fan base. By taking a few steps away from strictly horror into the realm of thriller, the show brings a refreshing narrative that does justice to the original Resident Evil spirit while exploring new territories.

Ingeniously blending elements of horror, action-thriller, progressive CGI, and compelling narrative, Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness proves to be a captivating watch. Whether you're a long-standing fan of Resident Evil, a fervent lover of the horror genre, or simply seeking a new binge-watching title that pushes conventional animation boundaries while offering an intense, suspense-ridden journey, this Netflix series is well worth your time.