Discover the Terrifying Parallels Between Resident Evil 2 and Malum

The Resident Evil franchise may have its fair share of missteps, but it remains a unique blend of elements that can't be replicated elsewhere. While some projects come close to capturing the franchise's appeal, such as the recent horror film Malum, none quite match up. Director Anthony DiBlasi, often overlooked in the horror scene, has proven his talent with films like Dread and Last Shift, both critically acclaimed. Now, with Malum, DiBlasi reimagines his breakout hit and delivers another must-see horror experience.

What is Malum About?

Jessica Loren, a rookie cop, takes on the graveyard shift at a police station that is about to close down for good. Her ulterior motive for volunteering is to investigate her father's untimely death, who had worked in the same station and had ties to a mysterious cult. While delving into her family's dark past, she encounters a series of paranormal events and terrifying creatures. Although Malum and Last Shift share a similar premise, the former takes a more intense and overwhelming approach, throwing everything at the audience. Despite their differences, both films have their own unique appeal.

How is Malum Similar to Resident Evil 2?

Despite their similarities, there are distinct differences between these two stories. While both take place in a police station and feature new officers experiencing a terrifying first day, the nature of their enemies sets them apart. Leon Kennedy battles hordes of zombies and dangerous bioweapons, while Jessica Loren faces more demonic foes. Additionally, Malum presents a mystery to be solved, whereas Resident Evil 2's events are more straightforward. However, the shared setting allows for similar scenes to play out, providing a thrilling and action-packed experience for fans of both franchises.

Jessica Loren's situation may exist solely in her own mind, but the film toys with perception in a merciless way. Her father's tragic death, which involved him shooting several of his colleagues in the police force, has left her with a tarnished family name and an unwelcome reception at her new temporary workplace. The other officers either resent her because of her father's actions or patronize her because of her gender, leaving her without any allies. To make matters worse, she is constantly receiving threatening prank calls outside of work. While cultists wreak havoc and keep the other officers occupied, Leon is left to battle the undead alone. There is a palpable discordance to everything that happens in Malum, from the cult leader's Charles Manson-like rhetoric to the eerie, satanic score in the background. The film's backstory of betrayal and madness serves to keep the audience on its toes. In contrast, Resident Evil 2 requires players to engage in combat rather than to speculate. Despite the significant differences between Malum and Resident Evil, the action sequences mesh seamlessly. Some scenes in Malum are even shot like a first-person shooter, showcasing the film's cinematography, a blend of 28 Days Later and old-fashioned Giallo, as it cuts between scenes of absurd violence. The film's execution is a testament to how two variations of the same idea can be vastly different, much like the Resident Evil franchise as a whole.

The movie Malum has had a limited run in theaters, but is also available on various video-on-demand platforms like Vudu, YouTube, Google Play, and Amazon Prime Video. If you're a fan of gory horror/action films, Resident Evil, or Last Shift, you should definitely give it a watch. While the plot may not be the most innovative, the film is executed brilliantly and offers a non-stop thrill ride. Although the concept of a rookie cop taking on a dangerous police station may not be new, Malum presents a unique and fresh take on the idea.