Zach Cregger’s ‘Resident Evil’ Drawing Rave Early Reviews for Gore and Suspense

Zach Cregger’s much-anticipated ‘Resident Evil’ reboot is already turning heads, with early viewers raving about the film’s graphic violence, nail-biting suspense, creature designs and faithful nods to the video game source material.

The buzz started following the film’s premiere at Fantastic Fest, where audiences got their first taste of Cregger’s reimagining of the long-running horror franchise. Early social media reactions suggest the movie plunges deep into survival horror while stamping it with Cregger’s personal creative vision.

Cregger, known for helming ‘Barbarian’ and ‘Weapons’, has charted a fresh course for the franchise with ‘Resident Evil’. Those who’ve seen it describe a fast-paced horror experience loaded with intense action, grotesque creatures and relentless tension throughout.

Early reviewers called the film a “wild ride” brimming with unsettling creatures, edge-of-your-seat suspense and bloody action. Others singled out Cregger for delivering what many consider the strongest ‘Resident Evil’ movie to date.

Austin Abrams, who stars as Bryan, has also drawn praise from early audiences. Abrams plays a medical courier who finds himself trapped in a deadly viral outbreak in Raccoon City, forced to survive against all odds.

Cregger’s film sidesteps the earlier live-action installments, instead drawing inspiration from the games while crafting an original narrative. The story unfolds during the events of ‘Resident Evil 2’, following Bryan as a routine delivery becomes a desperate fight for survival.

The ensemble cast includes Zach Cherry, Kali Reis and Paul Walter Hauser. Cregger co-wrote the screenplay with Shay Hatten.

The director has been vocal about his love for the games, and recent interviews reveal the film draws from multiple entries in the franchise including ‘Resident Evil 4’, plus the horror-centric ‘Resident Evil 7’ and ‘Resident Evil Village’.

Early reactions zeroed in on Cregger’s commitment to survival horror, with viewers specifically highlighting the atmospheric dread, graphic gore and impressive creature design work.

The film apparently walks a tightrope between horror and levity. Cregger revealed that test audiences initially felt the film was too comedic, prompting him to trim jokes during editing. The cuts, he said, ultimately strengthened the horror and tension of the final product.

That balancing act fits Cregger’s wheelhouse his previous work has consistently blended deeply unsettling horror with surprising moments of dark humor.

‘Resident Evil’ hits theaters on September 18, 2026, with Sony Pictures backing the release.

As full reviews and audience reactions await the theatrical bow, the early social media chatter paints a picture of a blood-soaked, action-packed and game-inspired horror film from Cregger.