Resident Evil Review: Zach Cregger's Wild Horror Rollercoaster 2026

Resident Evil review: Zach Cregger's rebooted action horror is a wild rollercoaster ride that breathes new life into the iconic franchise. Starring Austin Abrams as a hapless courier named Bryan, this film takes audiences on a thrilling journey through a hellish outbreak, blending horror and action with a surprising amount of heart.

Typically, horror fans react to blatant on-screen stupidity with vocal derision. Don't go in there! Girl, get out of the house! Guys, ignore that distress signal! But genre aficionados may find themselves falling a little bit in love with Bryan, the hapless de facto hero of the new horror film Resident Evil.

It's not that Bryan is traditionally hunky, or even a caricatured version of a square-jawed warrior, like Bruce Campbell in his later Evil Dead outings. But Abrams is in possession of a Campbell-ish charm, even in the face of his character's repeated blundering, as well as an everyman relatability that makes this wild carnival-ride movie play a little closer to the ground.

A Relatable Hero in a Chaotic World

Bryan is a courier – a glorified Postmates driver, in his own estimation – who postpones the end of his shift to take one last night-time run, driving an important item from one hospital to another in a snowstorm without the proper tires or four-wheel drive. After all, the distance and urgency means double pay.

When he hits a mysterious woman who emerges suddenly on to a slick road, he's drawn into a hellish outbreak that will look familiar to fans of the Resident Evil video game series (or maybe the previous six-movie Milla Jovovich franchise, which apparently drifted afield from the games' storylines). The key to Abrams's winning performance as a perpetual loser is in how the actor and co-writer/director Cregger balance slapstick comedy with genuine terror.

Zach Cregger's Vision: A Rollercoaster of Horror and Action

Zach Cregger, known for his work on Barbarian, brings a fresh perspective to the Resident Evil franchise. His rebooted action horror is a wild rollercoaster ride that never lets up. The film's pacing is relentless, with each scene escalating the stakes and diving deeper into the nightmare.

Cregger's direction ensures that the horror elements are genuinely frightening, while the action sequences are adrenaline-pumping. The balance between the two is masterful, creating a movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Key Takeaways from Resident Evil

• Fresh Reboot: Zach Cregger's take on Resident Evil revitalizes the franchise with a new hero and a more grounded story.
• Star Performance: Austin Abrams delivers a charming and relatable performance as Bryan, the unlikely hero.
• Balanced Genre: The film expertly blends horror and action, offering both scares and thrills.
• Fan Service: References to the video game series will delight longtime fans while remaining accessible to newcomers.

Resident Evil: A Comparison to Previous Adaptations

To understand how this reboot stands out, let's compare it to previous Resident Evil adaptations.

As the table shows, Cregger's version takes a more character-driven approach, focusing on a single protagonist's journey rather than an ensemble cast. This intimacy makes the horror feel more personal and the action more impactful.

The Verdict: A Wild Ride Worth Taking

Resident Evil review: Zach Cregger's rebooted action horror is a wild rollercoaster ride that delivers on its promises. With a standout performance from Austin Abrams, a script that balances humor and horror, and direction that keeps the energy high, this film is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Whether you're a longtime fan of the games or new to the series, this reboot offers a fresh and exciting take on the Resident Evil universe. Just buckle up and enjoy the ride.

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