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Resident Evil Requiem Sets the Stage
Capcom is once again leaning into cinematic storytelling ahead of its next major release. The publisher has unveiled a live-action prequel short for Resident Evil Requiem, designed to establish tone and intrigue rather than retell the game’s story.
The short stars Maika Monroe as an original character created specifically for the film. Known for her work in modern psychological horror, Monroe anchors the short with a restrained, unsettling performance that emphasises dread and isolation over spectacle.
Rather than functioning as a traditional trailer, the film operates as a mood piece that quietly feeds into the larger mythology surrounding Requiem.
A Psychological Horror Approach Over Action
Set before the events of the game, the short titled Evil Has Always Had A Name follows a mother and daughter as they face a tense, increasingly dangerous situation tied to the broader outbreak and destruction of Raccoon City in 1998. The narrative avoids exposition-heavy worldbuilding, instead relying on atmosphere, silence, and implication to build unease. Think of it like a modernised treatment of Resident Evil Outbreak.
Visually, the short draws heavily from contemporary horror cinema, favouring low lighting, confined spaces, and a grounded tone. This aligns closely with Capcom’s recent direction for the franchise, which has increasingly shifted away from blockbuster action toward slower, more oppressive horror. The way the zombies are behaving is also worth noting, with the sliver of humanity left in them apparent throughout.
Ada Wong Appears as a Tease, Not the Lead
While Leon and Grace are in the spotlight in Resident Evil Requiem, the series has many other memorable characters that can be inserted into the game. One of them is Ada Wong, and the voice at the end of the short sounds like voice actor Lily Gao, so could this be setting something up for the future?
Speaking the lines of “That’s the last of them. Facility secured,” and “Copy that. Raccoon City is ours.” definitely has a villainous slant to things, and it won’t be the first time Ada steps into an anti-hero role.
Capcom has not confirmed the extent of Ada Wong’s role in Resident Evil Requiem, but the tease suggests she may be involved in the wider narrative.
Strengthening the Franchise Without Retelling It
Unlike previous live-action Resident Evil adaptations, this short is not positioned as a parallel retelling or as part of an alternate canon. Instead, it acts as connective tissue, enriching the atmosphere around Requiem while remaining optional viewing for players.
This approach allows Capcom to expand the universe without diluting the core experience, using film to reinforce tone and mystery rather than replace in-game storytelling.
Resident Evil Requiem is scheduled to be released for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC on February 27.
