Resident Evil

The Netflix series "Resident Evil" explores several themes that offer points of analysis for Christian parents. At its core, the show delves into the dangers of unchecked corporate greed and scientific hubris, as evidenced by the Umbrella Corporation's pursuit of profit and power at the expense of human life, leading to a global catastrophe. This aligns with biblical warnings against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10) and humanity's fallen nature, showcasing the devastating consequences when moral boundaries are blurred and the pursuit of knowledge or power is not tempered by ethical considerations. The narrative is heavily focused on survival and self-preservation in a fallen world, which, while a natural human instinct, often leads characters to make morally ambiguous choices. There's a prevailing materialistic and humanistic worldview presented, where solutions are sought through science and human ingenuity rather than any transcendent or divine intervention. While one character, Bert Wesker, expresses an "anti-nihilist" sentiment that people can choose to do right despite a tragic world, explicit themes of Christian faith or spirituality are not depicted. Character morality in "Resident Evil" is complex and often relativistic. Albert Wesker, despite his villainous origins in the games, is portrayed here with some "adaptational heroism," demonstrating love for his daughters and ultimately making a heroic sacrifice for them. This presents a nuanced view of good and evil, where even a morally compromised individual can exhibit sacrificial love. Conversely, Jade, despite her good intentions, often makes impulsive and poor decisions that lead to negative consequences, highlighting the theme that good intentions do not always guarantee virtuous outcomes. Billie's choices, driven by teenage angst and impulsiveness, are depicted as a catalyst for the viral outbreak, illustrating how individual actions, even seemingly small ones, can have massive, destructive repercussions. While characters face consequences for their actions, reflecting a degree of moral accountability, the series does not explicitly reward virtue in a consistent, biblical sense, nor does it portray a clear path to redemption through divine grace or forgiveness. Instead, redemption is hinted at through personal sacrifice and efforts to rebuild society or find a cure, as seen with the 'University' in the future timeline. Family values are central to the series, presenting a "complex family drama" at the heart of the apocalypse. The relationship between Albert Wesker and his daughters, Jade and Billie, is a driving force, characterized by a strained bond, parental neglect due to Albert's secretive work, and deep-seated family secrets. The sisters' relationship itself evolves from protective to adversarial, demonstrating how extreme circumstances and personal choices can fracture familial ties. While the bond of family is emphasized as a motivator for survival and protection, the portrayal also highlights the challenges of parenting and the impact of parental choices on children, particularly when authority figures (like Albert) operate with deception and hidden agendas. The absence of explicit faith representation means that Christian parents should be prepared to discuss the worldview presented, which largely omits a spiritual dimension to morality, purpose, and hope in the face of suffering and evil.