Sony Pictures
Zach Cregger’s highly anticipated “Resident Evil” movie is creeping ever closer to its September 18 release, and critics are now getting their first look. Early reactions suggest the filmmaker behind the grisly, unnerving “Weapons” may have delivered another standout horror experience.
On X, previously known as Twitter, entertainment journalist Jonathan Sim readily labeled “Resident Evil” as Cregger’s finest work yet, which is saying something. “#ResidentEvil is a PHENOMENAL edge-of-your-seat experience,” he wrote. “Zach Cregger’s best movie yet. It shines in its simplicity. A one-night thriller about one person trying to survive. Austin Abrams brings so much comedy to this role. Funny, exciting, and demands to be seen with a crowd.”
On the same platform, Collider’s Perri Neminoff also praised the movie’s comedic beats. “Cannot believe how many hilarious beats this movie has without ever diminishing the stakes or sheer terror of the situation,” she wrote, while also praising Abrams’ performance as the lead character, medical courier Bryan. Junior Felix of That Hollywood Show, Erik Anderson of AwardsWatch, and film journalist Courtney Howard all joined the choir of praising either Cregger’s blend of horror and surprises, Abrams’ ability to infuse the situation with comedic sensibilities, or both. This makes it seem very plausible that the director might have delivered the best “Resident Evil” movie yet.
In Resident Evil, surprise is Zach Cregger’s secret weapon
Many people who have seen “Resident Evil” seem to point out that the movie thrives on its twists and turns. “The best thing about the #ResidentEvil games is that you never know what’s next. And that’s exactly what Zach Cregger’s movie is. It’s wildly unpredictable, super gross, really funny, and constantly scary,” Gizmodo and io9’s Germain Lussier wrote on X.
Erik Voss of New Rockstars also highlighted the film’s surprises along with its humor and genuine scares, comparing the film’s final stretch to “Cabin in the Woods.” Meanwhile, Adam Hlaváč compared parts of the movie to John Carpenter’s 1982 classic “The Thing,” a movie that famously delivers several body horror surprises. While we’re on the subject of movie comparisons, Dan Pfleegor of Losers Club Pod complimented “Resident Evil” for capturing the greatest aspects of Cregger’s previous films, combined with the video game series’ overall vibe. “Resident Evil harnessed the momentum of Weapons’ third act & mixed in the nervy fear of Barbarian’s “what’s behind the next locked door?” Zach Cregger dropped a lot of subtle game references too. Glad he didn’t over highlight them. Captures the panicked spirit of the games,” his assessment on X read.
The emerging consensus is that “Resident Evil” is a thrilling, sharply entertaining ride, combining Cregger’s familiar mix of scares, unexpected twists, and eccentric humor. Audiences will soon have the chance to decide whether the video game adaptation can outdo the director’s earlier work.
“Resident Evil” arrives in theaters on September 18, 2026.