‘Resident Evil’ is More Interested in Scares than Franchise-checking and Excels as a Horror Film to Boot

Did I have “Resident Evil” on PlayStation? Yes. Do I remember anything about the game? No—it was the year 2000, and I was about five. Besides watching others play, what I knew was the franchise wasn’t just a survival horror game. It redefined the genre and grew into a worldwide phenomenon, scaring audiences of all ages. Honestly, I’m far more familiar with the 2000s film adaptations. Those starred Milla Jovovich, battling zombies and monstrosities created by the Umbrella Corporation, attempting to save a doomed world. After six films over 14 years, even those memories are hazy. So going into Zach Cregger’s reboot of the franchise, I had no real frame of reference. No high hopes, no lingering doubts—just intrigue. However, whether you grew up with the games, love Jovovich’s films, or a complete newcomer, you can immediately tell this entry is different and not forgettable by any means.

Coming hot off the heels of “Weapons,” Cregger’s swing at “Resident Evil” is a heart-racing experience. It needs to be witnessed in IMAX. Its creepy imagery and sinister ambiance are captured through Cregger’s lens, who’s well on his way to becoming a horror icon. Every frame that features a dark corner or shadow is used as a weapon (pun intended). It holds the audience hostage and refuses to let go. This is accompanied by a literal heartbeat that creates physiological synchronization between the film’s lead and the viewer. The diegetic sounds of a violent disturbance are frightening, as they should be. However, only when everything goes quiet does the real psychological horror begin. You feel you are really part of this world. Cregger has weaponized both sound and the absence of sound. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that this is the best horror film of the year.

Austin Abrams is the Soul of the Film

There’s never a moment where you don’t feel like you’re being stalked—in fact, you know you are. All of these great effects bring to life terrifying creatures that only get bigger and badder as the story progresses. It challenges the bravery of both the lead and the audience with their unnerving presence. These horrendous abominations and grotesque beings make this horror feature a 95-minute attack on your nerves that seems to last forever (in the best way possible). But persistence is key, and no one likes a quitter. The overall relentless assault, to no one’s surprise, offers more than a few jump scares. They are effective and done flawlessly, evoking genuine reactions and sending real chills down your spine. 

Returning yet again to help bring Cregger’s vision to fruition is Austin Abrams as Bryan. He’s a medical courier tasked with the delivery of an unknown item of great importance bound for Raccoon City General Hospital—and God, this dude is the soul of the movie. None of this would work if he wasn’t fully committed as a courageous, or perhaps dimwitted, protagonist, and he holds nothing back. No superstrength, no telekinesis—he’s just a dude working overtime that needs a signature. But between his physical performance and the mannerisms he produces when met with anything that’s out of the ordinary, he manages to showcase immaculate comedic timing in the right places. It feels organic and not heavy-handed. Forced into this point-of-no-return situation, his close-encounter reactions are very reasonable, concluding with either a tasteful laugh or a stunned “WTF” reaction. Sometimes both. 

Genius Filmmaking

One of the best elements of the film is the incorporation of gameplay mechanics, making the theatrical experience feel nostalgic. Searching for ammo, carefully lit exit signs, and locks that seem to be made from titanium are all woven into the story beautifully. There are no shortcuts, there is no help, and there is no other way. The path is very clear, and you simply need to walk down it: dark, but clear. 

After some side missions and conversations with NPCs (non-player characters), the film makes sure to keep that same energy that kicked everything off as it heads toward its epic conclusion. Making it to the finish line is the only thing that matters. Around-the-clock danger that keeps your head on a swivel, obstacles that need to be overcome, and even a final boss battle are all carefully measured ingredients that enhance the final product. Of all the many attempts made at this franchise, none come close to this superior feature. It excels in ways that make it more than just a game-to-film adaptation, but rather a piece of genius filmmaking. Worth all my time, attention, and money.