2026’s ‘Resident Evil’ serves up scares and laughs

The multi limbed monster’s unsettling movements were actually done practically with stunt performers Courtesy | Columbia Pictures

When people think of great survival horror video games, the “Resident Evil”series is one of the first that comes to mind.

When people think of bad horror movies, the “Resident Evil” series is also one the first that comes to mind…

The difference in reception between the games and movies couldn’t be any more different.

While the video game series has been widely praised for its scares and gameplay, over the last 30 years.

The movies have garnered the reputation of being nothing but low effort action flicks, with the “Resident Evil”name slapped on.

Paul W.S Anderson who directed and wrote six of the movies, seemed more interested in casting his wife Milla Jovovich then focusing on making good movies, let alone one that was faithful to the games. 

A 2021 reboot attempted to give the series new life on the big screen, but failed to win over casual audiences and fans of the games, falling short both critically and commercially.

With that “Resident Evil” seemed destined to remain cursed when it came to big screen adaptations.

The latest adaptation that hit theaters on September 18th, has finally broken that streak.

Directed by Zach Cregger, who is known for Barbarian and Weapons, “Resident Evil” finally delivers the movie fans of the series have been wanting for years.

Unlike the previous installments no established characters Like Leon S. Kennedy or Jill Valentine are in the flim, instead the focus is shifted on a new character named Byran (Austin Abrams) 

In the movie Bryan works as a medical courier, and is tasked with delivering a package to Raccoon City General Hospital, however the seemingly routine delivery takes a turn for the worst as Bryan is caught up in an outbreak that has taken over the city turning its residents into zombies or worse.

Bryan isn’t a cop like Leon or special forces like Jill, instead he’s just an average joe with a 9-5 that’s thrown into hell on earth, making him more relatable to the audience.

One of the main criticisms for the Paul W.S Anderson films was that there was nothing really scary about them, other than how bad they were.

“Resident Evil” is chock full of scares and disturbing imagery, that is sure to keep any viewer on the edge of their seat throughout.

Both the multi-limbed monster, which ends up stalking Bryan throughout the film, and the large, hairless man in the sewers were featured in the trailers, with the latter delivering one of the movie’s nastiest scenes.

Even when there’s no zombies or monsters involved the film still manages to deliver tension. 

There’s a scene where Bryan is trying to figure out how to use a machine gun while in a car with a scientist, and there’s a sense he’s gonna accidentally fire it and kill them, like the famous scene from “Pulp Fiction”.

Like Cregger’s previous films, this one is as funny as it is scary, thanks in large part to his writing and Austin Abrams performance.

The humor is always well timed and never feels forced, with Abrams perfectly delivered quips and mannerisms making the comedic moments even more entertaining. 

Not to mention the transition from horror to comedy is seamless.

Not so fun fact Cregger said the filming of that scene almost killed Austin Abrams

Ultimately, Cregger succeeded where previous directors fell short, delivering a compelling film and also remaining faithful to the games.

For more than 20 years, the Resident Evil franchise struggled to find success on the big screen despite the popularity and success of its video game counterpart.

Yet Cregger has delivered a fantastic horror movie that balances genuine scares with humor all the while capturing elements that made the games so well loved .  

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