Resident Evil: Death Island (2023): When the Virus Spreads, the Past Resurfaces

“What was once a prison now holds something far worse.” 

Resident Evil: Death Island (2023) delivers a high-octane, animated continuation of Capcom’s legendary survival-horror franchise. Directed by Eiichirō Hasumi, the film reunites some of the series' most iconic heroes — Leon S. Kennedy, Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Claire Redfield, and Rebecca Chambers — in a thrilling showdown against a new bioterror threat set on a remote, sinister island.

The story follows multiple investigations that converge on Alcatraz Island, now the epicenter of a deadly new outbreak. When tourists begin mysteriously turning into bio-weapons, Leon and Chris find themselves unraveling a conspiracy that ties together the franchise's dark history — from the T-virus to cutting-edge bioweapon technology. As the island traps them in, the line between science and horror blurs once again.

The film balances character-driven moments with fast-paced action, offering fans everything from tactical gunfights to grotesque new mutations. Animation allows for dynamic combat and monstrous transformations that would be difficult to portray in live-action. Each character gets a moment to shine, and long-time fans are rewarded with callbacks, emotional payoffs, and team-ups that feel earned.

Jill Valentine’s return is a highlight, offering closure to her post-Resident Evil 5 arc. Leon is, as ever, a hardened hero with a moral edge, while Chris remains the stoic backbone of the group. Together, their chemistry forms the emotional spine of the movie, while the island itself — eerie, isolated, and crawling with horrors — becomes a character in its own right.

Resident Evil: Death Island doesn’t reinvent the formula, but it refines it — delivering polished, pulse-pounding fan service. It’s a love letter to the franchise’s roots, blending science fiction, body horror, and action into a tight and entertaining package. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just enjoy animated horror-action, this one doesn’t disappoint.