Key Details
- Title: Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness
- Japanese Title: バイオハザード：インフィニット ダークネス
- Genre: Horror, Action, Biopunk, Zombie Apocalypse
- Creator: Capcom
- Director: Eiichirō Hasumi
- Writers: Eiichirō Hasumi, Shogo Moto
- Music Composer: Yugo Kanno
- Studios: TMS Entertainment, Quebico
- Original Network: Netflix
- Release Date: July 8, 2021
- Episodes: 4
- Runtime per Episode: 25–28 minutes
- Language: English, Japanese
- IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 50%
🧵 Synopsis
Set in 2006, between the events of Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness follows federal agent Leon S. Kennedy as he investigates a hacking incident at the White House. During his inquiry, the White House is attacked by zombies, thrusting Leon into a new nightmare. Meanwhile, Claire Redfield, working with TerraSave, uncovers a mysterious drawing by a child refugee, hinting at a terrifying conspiracy. As their paths converge, Leon and Claire confront a dark plot that threatens global security.
🎭 Main Characters & Voice Cast
- Leon S. Kennedy: Voiced by Nick Apostolides (English), Toshiyuki Morikawa (Japanese)
- Claire Redfield: Voiced by Stephanie Panisello (English), Yūko Kaida (Japanese)
- Jason: Voiced by Ray Chase (English), Fumihiko Tachiki (Japanese)
- Shen May: Voiced by Jona Xiao (English), Megumi Han (Japanese)
- Patrick: Voiced by Billy Kametz (English), Kenji Nojima (Japanese)
- Secretary of Defense Wilson: Voiced by Doug Stone (English), Aruno Tahara (Japanese)
- President Graham: Voiced by Joe J. Thomas (English), Kazuhiko Inoue (Japanese)
- Ryan: Voiced by Brad Venable (English), Mitsuru Ogata (Japanese)
🎨 Animation & Direction
Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness is a CGI-animated series produced by TMS Entertainment and animated by Quebico. Director Eiichirō Hasumi aimed to create a narrative that fits within the established Resident Evil timeline while offering a fresh perspective. The animation showcases detailed character models and environments, though some critics noted inconsistencies in animation quality.
🎵 Music & Themes
The series features a musical score composed by Yugo Kanno, known for his work on various anime and live-action projects. The music complements the series’ tense atmosphere, enhancing both action sequences and dramatic moments.
🌟 Reception & Impact
Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 50% approval rating, with an average rating of 5.5/10. Critics praised the series’ animation quality and action sequences but criticized its storytelling and character development. Some reviewers felt that the series relied too heavily on existing Resident Evil lore, making it less accessible to newcomers. Despite these criticisms, fans appreciated the return of beloved characters Leon and Claire, as well as the series’ contribution to the franchise’s expanded universe.WikipediaResident Evil Wiki
📚 Manga Adaptation
In addition to the anime series, a graphic novel adaptation titled Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness – The Beginning was released by Tokyopop. The miniseries, consisting of five parts, was initially scheduled for release alongside the anime but experienced delays, with the final release date being December 21, 2022. A collected edition of all issues was published on March 12, 2024.
🔄 Continuation & Future Prospects
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding a second season of Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness. However, the series’ integration into the broader Resident Evil timeline leaves room for potential future installments or related projects that further explore the characters’ stories.
🎯 Conclusion
Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness offers a brief yet intense addition to the Resident Evil franchise, focusing on political intrigue and bioterrorism. While it may not fully satisfy all viewers, especially those unfamiliar with the series, it provides fans with additional context and development for key characters. The series stands as a testament to the enduring popularity of the Resident Evil universe and its capacity for storytelling across various media formats.
