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Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2021 · 107 min · English
Echo score 37
JustWatch #85 28
Directed by
Johannes Roberts
Starring
Avan Jogia, Hannah John-Kamen, Tom Hopper, Robbie Amell, Kaya Scodelario, Stephannie Hawkins
Budget
$25M

In Raccoon City, the remnants of the once-powerful Umbrella Corporation cast a long shadow. As the city crumbles, a group of survivors discovers a sinister legacy hidden beneath the surface. Faced with mounting dangers and horrific creatures unleashed upon the streets, they must confront the truth behind Umbrella's downfall and fight to contain the escalating terror threatening to engulf them all.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (6)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021)

Where can you watch Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on fuboTV, FXNow and Hulu: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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6 main characters · contains spoilers

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Claire Redfield

    played by Kaya Scodelario

    Claire Redfield is a determined and resourceful character, deeply motivated by her desire to uncover the truth and protect her loved ones. Her past experiences at the orphanage haunt her, fueling her resilience against the horrors of Raccoon City. As she strives to survive, she showcases a blend of bravery and vulnerability.

    • 👩‍🔬 Protagonist
    • 🛡️ Protector
    • 🔍 Investigator
  • Leon S. Kennedy

    played by Avan Jogia

    Leon S. Kennedy is introduced as a rookie cop thrust into a nightmare on his first day of work. His initial naivety is transformed into courage as he encounters the horrors unleashed in Raccoon City. Leon often balances humor with a sense of urgency, making him a relatable and endearing character amid chaos.

    • 👮‍♂️ Rookie
    • 💪 Hero
    • 😂 Relatable
  • Jill Valentine

    played by Hannah John-Kamen

    Jill Valentine is a skilled member of the STARS Alpha team, known for her determination and combat prowess. Throughout the unfolding chaos, she exemplifies resourcefulness and intelligence. Her dynamic with other characters shows her capability as a leader during crises, though she is also haunted by the unpredictable horrors around her.

    • 🦸‍♀️ Fighter
    • 🔍 Investigator
    • 👩‍💼 Leader
  • Albert Wesker

    played by Tom Hopper

    Albert Wesker is a manipulative and ambitious character whose hidden agendas come to light throughout the film. While appearing as a leader, his ruthless ambitions often put him at odds with his teammates. Wesker's drive to uncover Umbrella's secrets for personal gain illustrates the dark side of ambition.

    • 🕵️‍♂️ Antagonist
    • 💼 Ambitious
    • 🔑 Manipulative
  • Chief Irons

    played by Donal Logue

    Chief Irons is a complex character who struggles with the rapid descent into chaos within Raccoon City. Initially appearing as a figure of authority, his actions reveal deeper layers of desperation and betrayal in the face of horror. His decisions often reflect the corruption present within the system.

    • 👮‍♂️ Authority
    • ⚠️ Desperate
    • 💔 Betrayed
  • Dr. William Birkin

    played by Neal McDonough

    Dr. William Birkin is a pivotal figure in the narrative, known for his immoral experiments and ambitious scientific pursuits that backfire tragically. His character embodies the consequences of blind ambition, as he becomes a monstrous version of himself due to his relentless quest for power and knowledge.

    • 🔬 Scientist
    • 👾 Villain
    • 🚨 Mad

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:15

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Setting

Where and When Does Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City Take Place?

The setting of Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

1998

The late 1990s were marked by significant advancements in technology and concerns regarding bioweapons and corporate ethics. This time period saw the rise of conspiracy theories around corporate influence in government and public health, contextualizing the Umbrella Corporation's malevolent practices in Raccoon City. The events of this year drastically alter the fate of the city and its residents.

Location

Raccoon City, Raccoon City Orphanage, Spencer Mansion, Raccoon City Police Department

Raccoon City is a fictional urban environment that serves as the primary setting for much of the Resident Evil series. Known for its connection to the sinister Umbrella Corporation, it harbors dark secrets, including unfortunate experiments on its inhabitants. The Raccoon City Orphanage, where Claire and Lisa's story begins, is a haunting reminder of the city's troubled past.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🏰 Mansion
  • 🏢 Police Station

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:15

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3 major themes

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Survival Horror

    Survival horror is the central theme, capturing the essence of fear, dread, and the struggle for survival against overwhelming odds. The characters face horrific creatures and ethical dilemmas created by the Umbrella Corporation’s experiments. As they confront their own fears and the dark truths of their past, the fight for survival becomes both a physical and emotional battle.

  • Corporate Greed

    Corporate greed looms large, with the Umbrella Corporation as a representation of unchecked power and ethical disregard. Their ruthless experimentation leads to catastrophic consequences, showcasing the dangers of prioritizing profit over human life. The story serves as a critique of the lengths corporations may go to maintain control and secrecy.

  • Betrayal and Trust

    The theme of betrayal pervades the narrative as characters grapple with loyalty and deceit. Wesker's ambition leads him to betray his team for personal gain, causing a rift that complicates their fight against the monstrosities of Umbrella. This theme highlights the fragility of trust among friends amid chaos.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:15

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Character & theme questions

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is the movie set?

The movie takes place in Raccoon City, a fictional urban environment that serves as the primary setting for much of the Resident Evil series. Key locations include the Raccoon City Police Department, the Spencer Mansion, and the Raccoon City Orphanage. The city is known for its dark secrets and connection to the sinister Umbrella Corporation, which has conducted unfortunate experiments on its inhabitants.

  • raccoon city
  • setting
  • umbrella corporation
  • spencer mansion
  • police station
  • orphanage
Q2

When does the story take place?

The story takes place in 1998, during the late 1990s. This time period was marked by significant advancements in technology and growing concerns about bioweapons and corporate ethics. The era also saw the rise of conspiracy theories surrounding corporate influence in government and public health, which contextualizes Umbrella Corporation's malevolent practices.

  • 1998
  • 1990s
  • time period
  • setting
  • late 1990s
Q3

What are the main themes in the movie?

The movie explores three primary themes. Survival Horror is central, capturing fear and the struggle for survival against horrific creatures created by Umbrella's experiments. Corporate Greed critiques unchecked corporate power and the dangers of prioritizing profit over human life. Betrayal and Trust explores how characters grapple with loyalty and deceit, particularly through Wesker's willingness to betray his team for personal gain.

  • themes
  • survival horror
  • corporate greed
  • betrayal
  • trust
  • umbrella corporation
Q4

Who is Claire Redfield?

Claire Redfield is a determined and resourceful character motivated by her desire to uncover the truth and protect her loved ones. Her past experiences at the Raccoon City Orphanage haunt her, fueling her resilience against the horrors she encounters. She showcases a blend of bravery and vulnerability throughout the story.

  • claire redfield
  • character
  • protagonist
  • survivor
  • orphanage
Q5

Who is Leon S. Kennedy?

Leon S. Kennedy is introduced as a rookie cop thrust into a nightmare on his first day of work at the Raccoon City Police Department. His initial naivety transforms into courage as he encounters the horrors unleashed in Raccoon City. He balances humor with a sense of urgency, making him a relatable character amid chaos.

  • leon kennedy
  • rookie cop
  • police department
  • character
  • survivor
Q6

Who is Jill Valentine?

Jill Valentine is a skilled member of the STARS Alpha team, known for her determination and combat prowess. She exemplifies resourcefulness and intelligence during the unfolding chaos and serves as a capable leader during crises. She is haunted by the unpredictable horrors around her but remains resilient.

  • jill valentine
  • stars team
  • character
  • leader
  • combat
Q7

Who is Albert Wesker?

Albert Wesker is a manipulative and ambitious character with hidden agendas. While appearing as a leader, his ruthless ambitions put him at odds with his teammates. His drive to uncover Umbrella's secrets for personal gain illustrates the dark side of ambition and serves as the primary embodiment of the Betrayal and Trust theme.

  • albert wesker
  • character
  • betrayal
  • stars team
  • ambition
Q8

What is the Umbrella Corporation's role in the story?

The Umbrella Corporation is the antagonistic force behind the city's downfall. Representing corporate greed and unchecked power, they conducted ruthless experimentation on Raccoon City's inhabitants, creating horrific creatures and bioweapons. Their practices showcase the dangers of prioritizing profit over human life and serve as the story's primary villain.

  • umbrella corporation
  • villain
  • corporate greed
  • bioweapons
  • experiments
Q9

What is the Raccoon City Orphanage?

The Raccoon City Orphanage is a key location where Claire and Lisa's story begins. It serves as a haunting reminder of the city's troubled past and plays a significant role in shaping Claire's character. The orphanage connects to her backstory and motivates her determination to survive and uncover the truth.

  • raccoon city orphanage
  • location
  • claire redfield
  • backstory
  • childhood
Q10

Who is Chief Irons?

Chief Irons is a complex character who struggles with the rapid descent into chaos within Raccoon City. Initially appearing as a figure of authority, his actions reveal deeper layers of desperation and betrayal in the face of horror. His decisions reflect the corruption present within the system as the city falls apart.

  • chief irons
  • police chief
  • authority
  • character
  • corruption
  • betrayal
Q11

Who is Dr. William Birkin?

Dr. William Birkin is a pivotal figure known for his immoral experiments and ambitious scientific pursuits that backfire tragically. His character embodies the consequences of blind ambition, as he becomes a monstrous version of himself due to his relentless quest for power and knowledge, tying into the film's body horror elements.

  • dr william birkin
  • scientist
  • experiments
  • character
  • g-monster
  • ambition
Q12

What is the Spencer Mansion?

The Spencer Mansion is one of the key locations in Raccoon City, connected to Umbrella Corporation's dark legacy. It serves as a significant setting where many of the story'shorrific events unfold, hiding secrets about the company's experiments and the city's troubled history.

  • spencer mansion
  • location
  • umbrella corporation
  • horror setting
  • mansion

Movie threads

More Movies Like Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Corporate Conspiracy Movies like Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City

Stories where a powerful company's dark secrets unleash apocalyptic horrors. If you enjoyed the dark secrets of the Umbrella Corporation in Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, you'll find more thrilling movies here. These films feature similar stories of sinister corporate conspiracies, biohazard outbreaks, and survival against man-made horrors. Discover similar action-horror stories where the most terrifying monsters come from a lab.

  • corporate conspiracy
  • suspenseful
  • paranoid
  • action-packed
  • chaotic
  • thrilling
  • Tone: dark, paranoid, suspenseful
  • Pacing: fast, escalating
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative typically follows characters, often insiders or survivors, as they peel back the layers of a reputable corporation to expose horrifying experiments. The conflict escalates from isolated incidents to a full-scale crisis, pitting humans against biological abominations they helped create, often in a race against time to contain the outbreak.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a core theme of corporate malfeasance as the primary antagonist. They blend sci-fi horror with thriller elements, creating a sense of paranoia and betrayal. The tone is consistently dark, the pacing is fast as the crisis unfolds, and the intensity is high, driven by the threat of uncontrollable scientific horrors.

Claustrophobic Survival Horror Movies like Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City

Stories of groups trapped in confined spaces, fighting relentless monstrous threats. Fans of the tense, confined horror of Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City will appreciate these similar movies. This list features films with a strong claustrophobic feel, where characters are trapped and must survive against overwhelming odds. Find more movies with a tense, action-packed pace and horrific creatures in enclosed spaces.

  • claustrophobic
  • tense
  • horrifying
  • suspenseful
  • action-packed
  • paranoid
  • Tone: dark, tense, horrifying
  • Pacing: fast, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot revolves around a group of diverse characters—often strangers or acquaintances with past tensions—who become trapped in a single location, such as a building, facility, or besieged town. The narrative is driven by a series of escalating threats, dwindling resources, and interpersonal conflicts, creating a pressure-cooker atmosphere where survival is the only goal.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their shared oppressive atmosphere and high-tension survival scenarios. They prioritize relentless pacing, high intensity, and a dark tone. The emotional weight comes from the constant peril and the grim reality of survival, often featuring body horror and ambiguous outcomes for the characters.

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Movies Like Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City

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Every angle

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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