Early reviews for Zach Cregger's forthcoming Resident Evil movie adaptation suggest a successful fusion of film and video game sensibilities. The film, slated for release on September 18, is currently holding a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with most critics finding it to be a clever and focused rendition of the beloved survival horror franchise.
Reviewers have highlighted Cregger's ability to channel the spirit of the Capcom games without becoming overly fixated on replicating every detail. David Ehrlich of IndieWire described it as "I.P. cinema with vision and verve," adding that "This is how movies and video games can merge in a way that makes them stronger for sharing their DNA rather than disfiguring them both." Similarly, Jesse Hassenger of The Guardian noted the movie's "streamlined single-mindedness," stating that "as it barrels through its gamified plot, the tension and entertainment value never flag."
The film centers on a medical courier, played by Austin Abrams, who becomes embroiled in a zombie outbreak while on a delivery to Raccoon City General Hospital. Cregger reportedly refined the film after test screenings, even trimming some of the comedy from the original cut to maintain a more focused tone.
Critics have praised Abrams' performance, with Consequence calling him "key to the movie's success" and noting his ability to keep audiences invested in his character's survival despite making flawed decisions out of fear. IGN commended Abrams' charm as the "woefully outmatched" courier and Cregger's "good eye for creature effects, mounting dread, and signature humor."
However, some reviews noted potential stumbles. AV Club observed that the film's momentum falters in Raccoon City proper, with extended riffing and unwieldy visual effects that mimic the narrative's issues. The Guardian also suggested that Bryan's character arc feels incomplete, leaving him a few steps shy of a full journey. Macabre Daily found the film's unserious tone and constant interjections of humor detrimental to moments of tension, questioning the lack of internal logic in its world.
Despite these criticisms, the general sentiment points to a strong adaptation. The Wrap argued that Cregger's Resident Evil is "not just a great video game movie. It's a great movie," capturing the series' transition from terrifying to ridiculous. IndieWire specifically applauded Cregger's skill in mapping the protagonist's geography, allowing scares to arise from the process of traversal, much like in the games. The movie's approach to puzzles and its monster design were also singled out as faithful representations of the gaming experience.
Empire Magazine found that while Cregger successfully translates the game's DNA, from gun upgrades to a skill-tree-like character progression, the film sometimes leans too heavily into comedy and meta-commentary, occasionally spelling out its own jokes. Nevertheless, the consensus suggests Cregger's Resident Evil offers a compelling and tonally aware adaptation that understands what makes the source material resonate.