Resident Evil (2026) - Spoiler Free Film Review

Film Details

Director: Zach Creggar 

Run Time: 1hr 37m

Cast: Austin Abram, Paul Hauser, Zach Cherry, Johno Wilson, Kali Reis, Andrea Miltner 

Synopsis

When a medical courier is tasked with delivering a high priority item to Racoon City, he soon has more to survive than just the icy mountain roads. 

My Review

Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil might not be the like for like adaptation of the games (not that it ever needed to be) but just as Resident Evil 7 and 8 created a completely new character and story for us to enjoy, this adaptation does the same, staying faithful to the very formula that made the games so popular. It’s a fun survival horror, it’s creative, it’s creepy and boy does this film look cool, Zach was right, snow is just the best aesthetic for horror!

The set design and practical effects on display here are outstanding and when partnered with cinematography that replicates the eery atmosphere of the games perfectly, you soon find yourself completely immersed in this cinematic world of Resident Evil. Whether it be the 2000lb puppet used to bring the body part mutant to life, or the cranes and blood bags that created the zombie rainfall scene, opting for practical effects paid dividends and the film is all the better for it.

Now onto the protagonist, making Bryan an average Joe, someone that is as a genuine reflection of ourselves if we were thrusted into a zombie outbreak, was a stroke of genius! The games always install a level of competency into their protagonists which makes for a great playing experience, but Bryan installs authenticity making the film arguably the most relatable Resident Evil project to date. This allowed Zach to recreate the almost sloppy nature of our universal playing experience, the poor aim, the wasted ammo, and when stealth fails get on your heels and leg it. This film is absolutely a love letter to the Resident Evil playing experience and I found myself with a huge smile on my face every time the movie directly referenced it.

My criticisms are few and far between because ultimately I had a really fun time Resident Evil, but I do still believe that Zach struggles with the third act of his films and the slight drop off is always marked by an intentional increase in humour. Bryan is an inherently comedic character, partly due to his incompetence but also the on the nose audible inner dialogue. But the introduction of Paul Hauser’s character felt like a shift from organic humour to shoehorned punchlines that might get a laugh, sure, but I felt it wasn’t in service to the narrative. This is exacerbated by the almost SNL style performances from the scientists in the finale lab sequence. However, the ultimate conclusion for Bryan’s story was one I really appreciated, it was an unconventional ending and went against expectations! It certainly hints that Zach might not be finished with the franchise and I hope the outrage from game fans isn’t enough to put him off of a return.

My Rating: 7.8 out of 10

Thanks for reading.

Film Review Club