When it comes to horror movies, director Zach Cregger is becoming a household name. Barbarian had high acclaim, as did Weapons from last year. On the other hand, the Resident Evil franchise has been pretty poor. Most, if not all, of the films have had terrible reviews and have been panned by both fans of the game and general audiences alike. When it was announced that Cregger would be directing the newest installment of the series, fans hoped he would be its saving grace. Could this dying movie franchise and this hot horror director be a match made in heaven? The consensus is yes.
Resident Evil is one of my favorite horror movies of 2026, and it is also some of the most fun I have had at the theatre this year. Whether you are a fan of the games or a newcomer, there is certainly something here for everyone to enjoy.
The Story
A medical courier finds himself in a desperate fight for survival against bloodthirsty, mutated creatures. The movie isn’t a direct adaptation of any of the video games; instead, the film takes a random guy and drops him into the world of Resident Evil. I feel this was a fantastic choice because it truly captures the vulnerability of what it would be like if an average person had to face this kind of outbreak.
While not being an adaptation of any storylines from the games, the movie still feels as if the audience is going through a video game. There are many instances of hunting for keys or managing limited ammo. Cregger also uses tight framing and third-person shots that make the audience feel as if they are controlling the main character.
The Acting and Humor
Austin Abrams plays our lead character Bryan, and he is exceptional in this. Audiences may recognize Abrams from Weapons last year. He plays the everyman perfectly. He isn’t a hero or some kind of professional. He goes through the entire movie cursing, not knowing how to use weapons and being completely afraid of everything. As I was watching the film, I couldn’t help but think of how relatable this monster movie felt. The main character makes decisions that most of the audience would make as well.
The movie is first and foremost a horror film, but it also may be one of the most funniest movies I have seen all year. I am not saying the movie in itself is a comedy, but the situations are comical. The way the lead character reacts to things had me in stitches. The movie blends tension and humor very well and creates a very entertaining balance.
Overall
Resident Evil is one of the best horror movies this year. If you are looking for a faithful adaptation, you may be disappointed, but if you are looking for some fun easter eggs and the tone of the games, you might be pleasantly surprised. I personally cannot wait to see this movie again. It made me tense up, made me jump, and made me howl with laughter. It is truly a rollercoaster of emotions from beginning to end, and I loved every minute. Resident Evil is a win for movie fans as well as a win for the franchise.
