First reviews of the new Resident Evil adaptation - critics promise a feeling like a very good game
Zach Cregger new Resident Evil movie screened for its first audience, and the reactions came in noticeably stronger than anyone expected from yet another attempt to bring Capcom franchise to the big screen.
The film hits theaters on September 18.
On Rotten Tomatoes, it currently sits at 96% based on 70 reviews.
The story follows Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, a hospital courier charged with making a delivery to Racoon City General Hospital. On his way he gets caught up in the middle of a horrifying outbreak, leaving him fighting for his life.
Cregger deliberately steered away from retelling game events or leaning on familiar faces like Leon Kennedy or Claire Redfield. The story unfolds on the periphery of Resident Evil 2, with the director saying his main goal was capturing the feeling of playing the games rather than delivering a direct adaptation of the plot.
Based on the first reactions, that gamble paid off. Critics pointed to the mix of body horror, dark humor, and the kind of relentless tension the original series is known for.
Courtney Howard, Variety:
Zach Cregger is cookin' with napalm. It's a wild, hilarious, unpredictably bonkers thrill ride from start to finish. Kinetic action leans heavily on demented body horror. Mutant mayhem galore! Austin Abrams is perfect as our doofy, hapless hero.
Perri Nemiroff, Collider:
one of the best video game adaptations I've ever seen. also one of the best horror comedies I've ever seen. Cannot believe how many hilarious beats this movie has without ever diminishing the stakes or sheer terror of the situation.
Erik Davis, Fandango:
less an adaptation of a game and more a movie that makes you feel like you're playing one. Don't get stuck on what is or isn't in the Resident Evil games. This is a film that takes the spirit of playing those games and runs wild with it.
Film critic Mark Cassidy:
#ResidentEvil may not feature recognizable characters/storylines, but by tapping into the relentless tension of the games, Zach Cregger has actually delivered the most faithful take yet.
Viewers also singled out Abrams, praising his comedic timing and star-grade charisma.
Social media reactions range from perfect 10/10 scores to a 4 out of 5, with some noting the second half loses a bit of pace after an almost flawless first hour.
Reviews also mention plenty of nods to the games and a standout moment when the movie title gets dropped on screen. The horror side of things apparently lands just as hard, with several viewers calling some of the scares among the best they've seen in recent memory.
This marks Cregger third major horror project following Barbarian and Weapons, and early reactions frame Resident Evil as fitting right into that same lineage – brutal, gory, funny, and constantly feeling like everything is spiraling out of control.
