Resident Evil (2026) Review: Zach Cregger Returns to Survival Horror
By Damian Hex | MoreHorror.com
Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil Reimagines Survival Horror for a New Generation
As I mentioned in a previous article, I received an invitation to see the first 30 minutes of Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil (director of Barbarian and Weapons). So, needless to say, Umbrella Corporation called me to report for duty and watch the rest of the film. So get cozy, lock your doors (you never know when a hungry zombie might roam by), and join me on this mild spoiler journey.
By making the protagonist, Bryan (Austin Abrams), a normal civilian with zero zombie-killing experience, the film gives Raccoon City a rawer, more nerve-wracking feel. Learning that Bryan has a pregnant girlfriend raises the stakes even further. I can’t imagine being a medical courier, facing an upset pregnant partner (upset with my negative reaction to the pregnancy), and battling frigid outdoor conditions while heading to Raccoon City. Honestly, I would just quit. I know that the nurse offered our homeboy double pay, which is why he accepted the gig, but no thanks. This is one of the many reasons you’ll find yourself yelling at the main character the whole time.
Bryan literally seeks out trouble. His gift for making questionable decisions is unreal. The glaring danger is glaring, yet the main character remains oblivious. Like, my guy, why do you keep interacting with the undead you encounter instead of running away? And why do you insist on being loud at the worst possible moments? I want to clarify that the film wouldn't engage the audience as much if Bryan weren't so flawed.
The film’s storytelling adapts video game elements well. As I mentioned in a previous article, you discover things alongside the protagonist, including which weapons are available, how many bullets he has left, and a vague sense of where more ammo lies. Spoiler incoming: when Bryan opens a door in someone’s house and reveals a typewriter, it reminded me of Resident Evil 2. I totally fanboyed out. I know typewriter save points appear in other Resident Evil games, but RE 2 is burned into my memory.
The film includes easter eggs throughout. Another mild spoiler: keys and locks play an essential part in the movie. Without keys, the already dire situation worsens. Just like in the game, you have to unlock things, or you can’t move forward, bruh. I literally pointed at the screen (along with other viewers) when I saw herbs in an abandoned car while the protagonist tried to make his way into a tunnel full of abandoned, crashed vehicles. Like, eat your greens!
One surprising aspect was that I grew to care for Bryan. He’s obviously flawed, avoids unresolved personal issues, and is just trying to survive (figuratively and literally). This makes it more meaningful to watch him improve at navigating insane situations—like escaping a sewer, trying not to fall from a building as zombies charge at him, creatively problem-solving his way from point A to point B, and becoming quicker at killing zombies. Extra points for never losing sight of that courier bag. This parallels us as gamers: we start clueless about weapons or where to go in new levels, but we gradually learn the rules and mechanics. Sure, the gameplay gets tougher, but we level up along the way.
I know I haven’t touched on how the zombies are portrayed. Well, I have mixed feelings. I walked in expecting the standard RE undead, but instead, I got something that reminded me of the video game Parasite Eve. Picture monstrous mutations, splicing, and creatures merging into one enormous organic thing of hell. I wasn't entirely disappointed, as Cregger's take on RE zombies made the scenes gorier and cooler. Either way, I’d probably choose to use the gun on myself when faced with both animal and human zombie threats. The undead rats reminded me of the rats I encounter at night on the NYC subways while trying to get home. No way a civilian could survive all that.
The music and silence served as powerful tools, used effectively. The audience screamed in unison when loud sounds violently shattered the silence. The film delivered comedic breaks from insane moments, earning an A+. I think the audience laughed almost as much as they screamed, which sets this RE film apart from all the others.
Here’s a tip: watch the movie without expecting strong ties to the games or past films. You’ll enjoy the ride more and appreciate the video game references. The movie feels like a car speeding down a road without slowing down, even as it navigates hard, curved bends with no protective barriers. You dive deep into Raccoon City, and by the time you reach the end, you’ll find yourself holding your breath because you have no idea what to expect. We’re proud of our boy Bryan for making it to his destination, but let me tell you, the ending is quite something. Resident Evil infects theaters on September 18th, so snatch those tickets and that Medical Courier Popcorn Bucket Bag as if your life depends on it.
Damian Hex is a horror-themed performer, video game tester, and media personality. As a proud queer person of color, he uses his voice to amplify marginalized voices. You can find him at screenings, nightlife events, conventions, and ghoul gatherings.
When he is not outside striking terror into the hearts of innocents, you can catch him spreading the unholy word to audiences on Twitch. Speaking of Twitch, he has several favorite game titles, including Cult of the Lamb, Hollow Knight, Mortal Kombat, Parasite Eve, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.
Follow Damian on Instagram @damianhex
