Milla Jovovich Returns to Raccoon City for ‘Resident Evil: The Final Chapter’

Alex Aronson

The zombie-slaying saga comes to an end in “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter,” as Alice (Milla Jovovich) returns to the Hive in Raccoon City – the place where it all began. The horror-spectacle adds new faces and new monsters to the fun.

The film picks up just three weeks after the events in the previous installment, “Resident Evil: Retribution.” Humanity is on its last legs after Alice was betrayed by agents in Washington D.C. As the only remaining survivor, she is forced to return to Raccoon City. The city, now overrun by the Umbrella Corp., is gathering its forces for an attack against any remaining survivors of the apocalypse. Alice joins forces with some old friends and befriends an unlikely ally to strike against the corporation, undead armies, and massive mutant monsters.

“I know that every movie we’ve made has been made as if it was the last,” Jovovich told Variety. “We’ve never rested on our laurels. I think that’s why every film in the franchise has had its own feeling and can stand on its own.” She has been playing the role for more than 15 years and likens it to raising a child. “It’s so interesting to be able to go back and play the same character over and over. You’re definitely molding this person. But you have to let them breathe. It can’t just be you trying to infuse yourself into them all the time.”

Franchise regulars Ali Larter, Shawn Roberts and Iain Glen are joined by Ruby Rose of “Orange Is the New Black” for the outing. Writer and director Paul W.S. Anderson, who penned and directed the first ‘Resident Evil’ film and others also returns.

The successful zombie-action franchise, a spawn of the popular video game with the same name, originated in 2002. The first film and its four sequels have tallied international box office of over $947 million. “Final Chapter” will likely power the franchise into the billion-dollar club – quite a last stop in Raccoon City.

‘Resident Evil: The Final Chapter’ opens Jan. 27 nationwide.