After the surprising success of 2021’s Resident Evil: Village, both as a game and a visual narrative, Capcom and Netflix have brought the haunting Eastern European nightmare to life in their latest film adaptation: Resident Evil: Village – Shadows of the Father (2025). Rather than simply retelling the story of Ethan Winters’ desperate search for his daughter, this new chapter expands the mythos and offers a chilling, emotionally rich continuation.
Set three years after the events of the game, Shadows of the Father follows Rosemary Winters, now a teenager with mysterious powers inherited from the Mold, as she returns to the ruins of the village that shaped her destiny. Haunted by fragmented memories and visions of her father, Rose is drawn into a hidden war between remnants of the Megamycete cult and a rogue bioweapon faction seeking to revive Mother Miranda’s legacy.
Directed by Fede Álvarez (Don't Breathe, Evil Dead), the film blends gothic horror with modern action-thriller pacing. Álvarez leans into the franchise’s darker, more psychological elements—emphasizing isolation, body horror, and inherited trauma over standard zombie fare. The setting is gorgeously bleak: snow-covered forests, candlelit castles, and grotesque underground chambers evoke a mood that’s both cinematic and faithful to the game’s aesthetic.
Ella Purnell, portraying Rose, delivers a standout performance—balancing fear, resilience, and internal conflict as she grapples with her mutated identity. The return of the enigmatic Chris Redfield (played by Jensen Ackles) adds grit and nostalgia, serving as both protector and reluctant truth-teller.
The film doesn’t shy away from unsettling imagery—mutated villagers, cult rituals, and grotesque new creatures that seem plucked from a Guillermo del Toro nightmare. While the action is tighter and less bombastic than earlier RE entries, the emotional stakes are higher, especially as Rose uncovers recordings left behind by Ethan, hinting at his survival in a twisted form.
That said, Shadows of the Father occasionally suffers from uneven pacing and convoluted lore drops. Some new villains lack depth, and longtime fans may debate the direction of Rose’s arc. Still, the film’s commitment to atmosphere, horror, and emotional continuity sets it apart from previous Resident Evil adaptations.
Whether you're a fan of the games or simply love brooding horror, Resident Evil: Village – Shadows of the Father offers a gripping, stylish, and surprisingly heartfelt entry in the ever-mutating franchise.
