The new Resident Evil movie opens in theaters today, September 18. It arrives with something the franchise has rarely had: an early review calling it a genuinely great adaptation. Zach Cregger, the director of Barbarian and Weapons, wrote and directed the film. Sony Pictures calls it a “reinvention” with an all-new story. It plays exclusively in theaters, including IMAX.
Austin Abrams stars as Bryan, a medical courier. His late-night run to a remote town turns into one long night of survival. In addition, Zach Cherry, Kali Reis and Paul Walter Hauser round out the cast. Cregger co-wrote the script with Shay Hatten. TriStar Pictures, Constantin Film and Davis Films produced it. The film is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore and language.
A Resident Evil movie that plays like the games
Engadget’s Devindra Hardawar reviewed the film on Thursday. He says it finally captures what the six Milla Jovovich movies and the 2021 reboot skipped. In other words, the dread of creeping into a new room and the panic of counting your last few bullets. “Cregger’s Resident Evil is a lesson in making a good video game adaptation,” he wrote.
According to the review, the camera does much of that work. Specifically, Cregger shifts into first person for key scares. He also often follows Bryan from directly behind, a nod to the over-the-shoulder view of Resident Evil 4. Ammo stays scarce, and a dog chases Bryan into a barn with a ladder puzzle. Likewise, one room holds a lone typewriter, the series’ classic save point. However, Hardawar notes the film never leans on fan service, so newcomers can follow it fine.
Why this one is different
Sony’s official trailer went up on July 23 and has passed 13.8 million views on the studio’s YouTube channel. The setting is still Raccoon City, but Alice and the rest of the old film cast are gone. Instead, the story follows an ordinary man with no training, which is closer to how the games make you feel.
The timing suits Capcom. It has a Resident Evil Veronica remake due in 2027 and a Street Fighter movie on the way. Meanwhile, video game films keep landing, from the Super Mario Galaxy Movie to Nintendo’s planned Zelda film. Still, if one review is right, Cregger’s version may be the rare adaptation both horror fans and players want.
