The last thing I would’ve done had I been in this situation is about 95% of the things this man did.
Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil (2026) takes audiences on a horrifying and surprisingly hilarious journey through Raccoon City. As someone who has always loved the Resident Evil films, I was excited to see what Cregger would bring to the franchise, and I can confidently say that this one was worth the watch.
However, there are a few things you might want to know before heading to the theater.
BRIEF SYNOPSIS:
Resident Evil follows Bryan, a medical transporter who accepts a last-minute delivery job that's simply too good to refuse.
What initially seems like a straightforward assignment quickly turns into a nightmare when his journey takes him down an unexpected road, forcing him to confront something truly horrifying in a desperate fight for survival.
What Worked?
One thing I've always loved about the Resident Evil films is how they've managed to balance horror and humor. While this installment leans a little more into its comedic elements, I personally didn't find that it took away from the horror.
In fact, I think the humor worked particularly well because of how ridiculous some of Bryan's decisions were. I spent a good portion of this movie questioning why he was doing certain things, because I can promise you that I would've made VERY different choices.
Another element I absolutely loved was the cinematography, specifically how lighting was used to build suspense.
There were moments when something as simple as fading car lights or the glow of brake lights against the snow created an incredibly unsettling atmosphere. It was such a beautiful touch, especially considering how horrifying the circumstances were.
I also appreciated how unpredictable the journey felt. There were several moments when I genuinely had no idea what was going to happen next, which made the experience even more entertaining.
What Might Not Work (For Others)
While I enjoyed the film, I can definitely see how some audiences might find it a little repetitive.
There are moments when the film returns to similar comedic beats, and depending on your personal taste, that could either add to the entertainment or become a little annoying.
For me, it worked. I enjoyed the absurdity of the situations Bryan found himself in, especially when paired with the more disturbing elements of the story.
However, if you prefer your survival horror to maintain a consistently serious tone, this might be something to consider.
The Vibe
This a film where you want to turn off the big light, grab your favorite cozy blanket, and set your LED lights to a deep red, because we're bringing Raccoon City straight into the home!
I'd also recommend having some snacks and hot chocolate for the winter snow vibes. Now if you really want to set the mood, throw in a few flickering LED candles to give your space that eerie, abandoned-city atmosphere!
The Verdict: Definitely Watch
Zach Cregger's Resident Evil is a mildly horrifying, but entertaining, and surprisingly funny addition to the franchise.
Between its unsettling atmosphere, impressive use of lighting, unpredictable journey, and comedic moments, I found myself locked in te entire time.
Although some viewers might not feel the same because of the repetitive humor, in my case, it wasn't enough to take me out of the experience.
So, is Resident Evil worth watching? In my opinion, absolutely.
If you a full soiler of everything that happened, then listen to this episode of House of Spoilers here.
Resident Evil (2026) is currently playing in theaters and will be available on VOD starting November 3rd.
