Resident Evil (2026) – Movie Review

I just saw the new Resident Evil movie today, and here are my thoughts.

The story is very simple. A medical courier is trying to complete a late-night delivery to Raccoon City General Hospital. But during the delivery, a viral outbreak suddenly hits the city, and he must fight his way through the chaos to complete his mission.

The movie focuses on one main character, which is a very interesting choice considering that most previous Resident Evil movies had a large cast. The protagonist, Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, delivers a fantastic performance. Since we follow his journey throughout almost the entire film, the movie really depends on him, and he absolutely carries it. His performance was top-notch.

You can really tell that Bryan is not equipped to deal with this situation, and you can feel the fear, panic, and tension through his performance. There’s also a vulnerable scene in the middle of the film where I could really feel the emotion Bryan was going through. It was one of those moments where his performance made the character feel much more real and relatable.

The film fully embraces horror, and director Zach Cregger (Weapons) delivers a genuinely terrifying experience. He brings back the tension and suspense that many Resident Evil fans have been missing from the previous movies.

To all the Resident Evil fans out there you’re going to have a blast with this movie. The fan service is subtle but meaningful. From the typewriter, to the Diamond Key, to the iconic slow sound of a door opening, every reference feels earned. You can really tell that a lot of love was put into this film, and that Zach Cregger wanted to make a true Resident Evil movie.

I’m really glad they took this approach. The atmosphere is incredible, the horror is intense, and it constantly keeps you on your toes. There are also a few small comedic moments sprinkled throughout the film that help balance the tension.
The pacing is excellent. I honestly don’t remember a single dragging moment, and the 90-minute runtime flew by.

One thing I loved is how the movie captures the feeling of actually playing a Resident Evil game. You find a shotgun… but the ammo is on the second floor. The way Bryan reacts to his surroundings and solves problems feels exactly like what we, as players, would do.

The movie also features a couple of first-person shots, and they instantly reminded me of Resident Evil Village. Yes, I said Village because the movie is set during a snowy winter, making the atmosphere feel very similar. It’s a small touch, but it makes the audience feel like they’re experiencing the nightmare alongside Bryan.

At times, it genuinely feels like the main character is us.

I just wish there was more to the ending, which is my only real gripe with the film. There are also a few moments involving the characters that make you question their common sense. Those are the main negatives I can think of, and if you can look past them, you’ll have a blast with this movie.

If you’re a Resident Evil fan or even a casual horror lover, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. It has the scares, the tension, the adrenaline rush, and plenty of Easter eggs for longtime RE fans.