Resident Evil 2026 (Fantastic Fest Movie Review)

In Zach Cregger, we trust. After so much controversy, the movie finally hits theaters. The movie that had Resident Evil fans in a craze. This movie is none other than Resident Evil by Zach Cregger. It breaks my heart to hear Zach talk about his experience while promoting his movie. He never wants to make a franchise movie again because of this experience. Now, if  you have not heard yet, the fans of the Resident Evil games were up in arms once the trailer dropped for this movie. Fans were saying that this is a far different direction from the games and is not related to the source material. With this movie now hitting the biggest box office numbers this franchise has ever received, a lot of those haters have fallen silent. Praised as one of the best video game adaptations to ever exist, I’m happy to report that I love this movie, and it is definitely a Resident Evil movie. It truly is the perfect video game adaptation that we have seen in some time and the best Resident Evil movie ever to release. Zach Cregger did the franchise justice and has created a huge phenomenon. Like the infection, the love for this movie is spreading all over online. This movie encompasses the phrase “the movie is a roller coaster ride”. Let me tell you why this movie is basically near perfect.

The practical effects are probably the thing that stands out the most when watching this movie. Filled with a ton of different creatures and monster designs, the movie is filled with memorable moments of pure nightmare fuel. Each costume and makeup design looks absolutely flawless. They even went through the hardship of making a 2000-pound puppet for one of the monster designs, and let me tell you, it is very effective in the movie. Every infected threat felt similar to the games. but had their own unique spin to it. The gore and blood drenches all over scene after scene. It delivers the beautiful horrors of the game onto the big screen. Truly mind-blowing what they were able to accomplish when it came to the monsters. One specifically follows our main protagonist and never gives up. It felt like an unstoppable force that kept coming back and was never slowing down. The design of Raccoon City felt alive and vibrant. From small Easter eggs from the games to the realism of real life, the city overrun by zombies never looked so beautiful. The great thing about practical effects is that the actors in the movie can really play off the monsters. Austin Abrams shows true terror on his face throughout the movie and is completely believable. A performance that you will not forget and perhaps the birth of a new horror hero icon.

Austin Abrams delivers more than just a secret package in the movie. He delivers the best performance in the Resident Evil movie franchise. Although I love the other movies and Mila Jovovich, Abrams brought it home. Coming from his partnership with Cregger in his last project, Weapons, they unite again to give us something special. Watching the character Bryan go through his journey in this movie, I never felt more seen. A character that is both smart and dumb, but the right amount of honest reactions in a chaotic environment. His character makes us fall into a pool of believability. The character reacts to situations the same way anyone normal would react in those situations. He was aware of what was dangerous and what was worth discovering. Exactly like the game, we are placed in the POV of this character several times in the movie. It felt like I picked up a controller and started my story. Every corner and blind spot made me panic, but the move forces you to push on. A great way to deal with a character that is just as scared as you in the moment. The movie breathed with the experience the audience was having. Each jump scare was effective as the audience and the character alike jumped to action. Following Bryan, who isn’t a known character from the games, still gave the feel and thrill of them. Austin Abrams is iconic in the movie. His vibe, jokes, and reactions will forever be remembered. Every bit of his performance elevated the movie in so many ways. He was perfect for this role.

The journey provides enough of an adventure in a perfect runtime of about an hour and a half. Tight and neat. There is no fluff and no scene felt out of place. The pacing is extremely well done. The craftsmanship of the movie itself will blow people away. The direction by Zach is incredible. He immerses you in this world filled with gripping energy and danger. The cinematography is what makes this movie feel like an experience. Using lighting, camera angles, and POV shots gets you into the world of Raccoon City. Filled with a great score that evokes emotion in every beat. Hays and Ryan Holladay are back to craft the amazing music of Resident Evil after working on Weapons with Cregger. His partnerships continue to grow and help influence these newer projects, which is great to see. The score in Resident Evil is by far one of the best movie scores that has been released this year. Song after song, the music brings you a sense of dread and horror. Each electronic beat and horn transports you into this fast-paced story. Every location creates new obstacles and trials the character has to get through. There was also always a sense that Bryan always had limited resources in the movie. Constantly leveling up and finding new weapons, it always gave the movie a sense of survival. All of this shows that this movie is another home run for Zach Cregger and is now three for three in my book. Some haters might still be out there, but trust me when I say that this is very much a Resident Evil movie and is extraordinary. The ending was also very, very satisfying and very fitting for what kind of story this is. Prepare to laugh, scream, and smile. Resident Evil is one of the best horror films of the year!

Rating: 96/100