Zach Cregger’s new take on Resident Evil just had its premiere, and the reactions flooding social media are making it sound like one of the best video game adaptations ever made.
The Sony Pictures reboot hits theaters Sep. 18. It stars Austin Abrams as Bryan, a medical courier who finds himself trapped in the middle of a deadly and terrifying viral outbreak while making a delivery to Raccoon City General Hospital.
(Resident Evil via Sony Pictures Releasing)
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Critics Are Calling It One of the Best Video Game Adaptations Ever
Variety’s Jordan Moreau didn’t hold back, calling the film “one of the best video game adaptions ever made” on X.
Collider’s Perri Nemiroff echoed that sentiment, praising it as “one of the best horror comedies I’ve ever seen.”
Reviewers Say It Captures the Feeling of Actually Playing the Games
Several critics pointed out how the film translates gameplay itself onto the screen rather than just adapting the story.
Erik Davis wrote that the movie “makes you feel like you’re playing one,” while TheWrap’s Casey Loving said Cregger “nails the feeling of playing these games.”
It’s Relentless From Start to Finish
Film journalist Kellvin Chavez said the movie “has its foot on the gas from the opening scene,” praising Cregger’s suspense and creature designs.
Multiple reactions describe the film as unrelenting once it gets going, balancing genuine scares with surprisingly funny moments throughout.
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Austin Abrams Is Getting Major Praise
This marks Zach Cregger’s second collaboration with Austin Abrams, who had a small but very memorable supporting role in 2025’s critically acclaimed Weapons.
Critics have singled out his performance as a major highlight, describing his character as an everyman whose natural charm makes him easy to root for even as chaos unfolds around him.
(Resident Evil via Sony Pictures Releasing)
A New Direction for a 30-Year-Old Franchise
Resident Evil has sold more than 200 million games since Capcom launched the series in 1996, and the franchise has grossed over $13 billion across films, books and merchandise.
Rather than remaking an existing game or film, this version charts its own path, though he reportedly faced questions from fans ahead of the premiere about not featuring familiar characters from the games.
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Between the practical creature effects, Austin Abrams’ star turn and reviews calling it one of the best horror movies in recent memory, Resident Evil looks like it’s about to be Zach Cregger’s biggest hit yet.
You can see for yourself when it hits theaters Sep. 18.
For even more on Resident Evil, click HERE to discover which series character you’re most like, based on your zodiac sign.
