Throughout the years, multiple zombie video games have risen from the ground and chased players non-stop. Some of them attempt to reinvent the formula by featuring never-before-seen mechanics, while others craft big open worlds for a group of friends to explore. However, few franchises have left a lasting bite mark on the industry, and Resident Evil is among the lucky few. The iconic Capcom saga has been terrifying fans for over three decades, and while it has suffered from a few stumbles along the way, it shows no signs of slowing down.
Successfully adapting a video game on the big screen is always a tall order, and that holds especially true for a franchise as beloved as Resident Evil. Seven different films attempted to solve the puzzle and replicate what makes the games so interesting. Unfortunately, they ended up losing all of their ammunition in the process, leaving them defenseless against critics and fans alike. On the bright side, the curse has finally come to an end, and it's all thanks to Zach Cregger's Resident Evil (2026).
The complete experience of playing a Resident Evil game was recreated on the big screen
Prior to its release, there was a bit of controversy surrounding Resident Evil (2026). After all, the film features a completely original main character named Bryan (Austin Abrams), and its story isn't "canon" to the events of the game. But despite forging its own unique path, this horror thriller perfectly encapsulates the experience of playing a Resident Evil game.
Every one of the franchise's staples is here: ammo management, weapon upgrading, backtracking, and being unable to follow a direct path because a badly parked car is blocking the way. There is also the mandatory "underground" section, and without diving into spoiler territory, the final sequence takes place in, you've guessed it, a white laboratory.
Along the way, eagle-eyed viewers will spot small references and nods to the classic items featured in Resident Evil games. To top things off, there's one main, unkillable monster chasing the main character around for most of the story. The movie's pacing also feels similar to the source material, with Bryan moving from set piece to set piece while slowly piecing together what is going on around him.
The Resident Evil DNA has been adapted for a whole medium without skipping a beat. Similarly, Zach Cregger's film is horrifying and stress-inducing without taking itself too seriously. I was genuinely surprised by how funny the 2026 film is, without making the situation feel any less dire at any given time.
If you've played a Resident Evil video game, you know it can switch from an enclosed and claustrophobic setting to an absurd set piece in a heartbeat. Fortunately, the film never ventures too far away from horror territory, as you'll never see its main character punch a giant boulder into a live volcano (looking at you, Resident Evil 5). That being said, the dialogue will constantly make you laugh, while some of the characters' reactions make for true comedic moments.
Perhaps one of the biggest strengths of Resident Evil (2026) is its protagonist, Bryan. Austin Abrams plays the character with a lot of charm, to the point that it is impossible not to root for him all the way through. Bryan isn't an action hero, and his survival instincts sometimes take a while to kick in. However, it is never frustrating to see him try to survive the chaos around him. On the contrary, you'll feel relieved whenever he makes it to the next environment, just as players feel relieved whenever they manage to escape a dangerous situation in the games.
Resident Evil's score is thrilling, and its CGI looks incredibly solid most of the time (save for a couple of brief shots). The performances are amazing, and the film manages to find a perfect balance between being horrifying and truly fun. Watching the movie feels like riding a wild rollercoaster, only to step off it and feel like you left all your stress behind.
Long-time fans of the franchise may not agree with every decision made for this adaptation. Particularly, the T-Virus behaves and looks differently from the source material. While this detail was never enough to take me out of my viewing experience, it could affect the enjoyment of people who have been playing the games for years.
In true Resident Evil fashion, the third act (particularly the very end) doesn't quite stick the landing. While far from terrible, it's not on par with the quality of the first two acts. Unfortunately, it's hard to explain why it fell a little short without diving into spoiler territory, but it's safe to say that the movie is at its best before the white laboratory enters the picture.
Overall, Resident Evil (2026) is a fantastic experience that perfectly captures the franchise's strengths, while also falling for its third-act trap. However, people often say that it is not about the destination but the journey, and this particular journey is as horrifying and tense as it is fun.
Resident Evil (2026) is now playing in theaters.
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