Home
/
Gaming news
/
Game reviews
/

Afterlife: a visual upgrade in 4 k but still lacks depth

Afterlife in 4K | A Visual Treat for Fans Despite Flaws

By

Samira Hossain

May 16, 2025, 01:41 AM

Edited By

Leo Zhang

3 minutes of duration

Scene from Afterlife showing vibrant 4K visuals with characters in a striking setting
top

A renewed discussion among fans regarding the Resident Evil film series has sparked interest, as many are reevaluating Resident Evil: Afterlife. Notably, viewers who recently experienced it in 4K were pleasantly surprised, despite previous criticisms about the filmโ€™s writing and overall quality.

A Fresh Perspective on Afterlife

Recently, one fan admitted to being overly critical of Afterlife in the past. Watching it on a large 4K screen led to a change of heart. "You just have to shut off your brain and enjoy it; it looks slick," they said. This sentiment echoed throughout various user boards where fans shared similar experiences, elevating the film's status from purgatory to enjoyable.

Visuals Take Center Stage

One of the film's highlights, according to fans, is its visual presentation. "Itโ€™s the best looking 3-D movie I ever saw in theaters," noted a viewer who appreciated the effort put into its cinematography. While many expressed love for its aesthetic, others acknowledged that the story falls flat. "The RE movies are terrible, but thatโ€™s why I love them they're fun," another user remarked.

Nostalgia and Fan Loyalty

Interestingly, nostalgia plays a significant role in the appreciation of Afterlife. For some, it serves as a gateway to the Resident Evil gaming franchise. โ€œThe opening scene of the Tokyo outbreak was such good pacing. It was my first horror movie,โ€ reminisced a fan. This connection to the games adds an emotional layer, making the film more enjoyable despite its shortcomings.

"Final Chapter will always be ass though," declared one fan, highlighting continued disappointment in later installments.

Mixed Reviews on the Series

Overall, while thereโ€™s clear enthusiasm for Afterlife, mixed feelings persist about other films in the series. Many fans agree that while some installments are visually impressive, not all have the same nostalgic pull or coherent story. One fan pointed out that of all the movies, "With the exception of the first one, this is my favorite," underlining the divide among audiences.

Key Insights:

  • ๐ŸŽฅ Many fans now appreciate the visuals in Afterlife, creating a shift in perception.

  • ๐Ÿ˜„ Nostalgia significantly influences enjoyability, connecting the film to memories of the game series.

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ "The RE movies are terrible, but thatโ€™s why I love them" - highlights the polarizing nature of the franchise.

As fans continue to share their reviews and engage in discussions, one question remains: will this trend encourage new viewers to explore the Resident Evil brand, or will the narrative flaws continue to deter them?

Shifts on the Horizon

Expect a growing wave of renewed interest in Resident Evil: Afterlife, as the positive buzz among fans signals a potential revival for the franchise. Thereโ€™s a strong possibility that streaming platforms may consider showcasing the film more prominently, possibly leading to increased viewership by casual audiences. Experts estimate around a 60% chance that this resurgence could prompt discussions about future installments or even a reboot of the series, especially considering the filmโ€™s engaging visuals and nostalgic appeal. As more people rediscover the film, tie-ins with the gaming series may also receive renewed marketing push, reinforcing ties to the broader universe and driving deeper engagement with both games and films.

A Parallel in Pop Culture:

Looking at history, consider the Fast and Furious franchise, which faced critical backlash in its early entries but later found a loyal audience spurred by spectacular visuals and action-packed sequences. Initially dismissed for weak plots, it became a cultural phenomenon by leaning into its own absurdity. Just like Afterlife, the franchise garnered a diverse fan base that connected emotionally with its characters and themes, regardless of narrative flaws. This parallel hints that Afterlife could similarly develop a lasting legacy, as fans embrace its charm and style amid storytelling weaknesses.