Resident Evil: First Reactions Are Officially In For Zach Cregger Horror Movie

Zach Cregger's eagerly anticipated "Resident Evil" movie is lurking closer toward its September 18 release, which means critics are finally seeing the movie. From the sound of it, the director behind the gruesome and unsettling "Weapons" has done it once again. 

On X, previously known as Twitter, entertainment journalist Jonathan Sim readily labeled "Resident Evil" as Cregger's finest work yet, which is saying something. "#ResidentEvil is a PHENOMENAL edge-of-your-seat experience," he wrote. "Zach Cregger's best movie yet. It shines in its simplicity. A one-night thriller about one person trying to survive. Austin Abrams brings so much comedy to this role. Funny, exciting, and demands to be seen with a crowd."

On the same platform, Collider's Perri Neminoff also praised the movie's comedic beats. "Cannot believe how many hilarious beats this movie has without ever diminishing the stakes or sheer terror of the situation," she wrote, while also praising Abrams' performance as the lead character, medical courier Bryan. Junior Felix of That Hollywood Show, Erik Anderson of AwardsWatch, and film journalist Courtney Howard all joined the choir of praising either Cregger's blend of horror and surprises, Abrams' ability to infuse the situation with comedic sensibilities, or both. This makes it seem very plausible that the director might have delivered the best "Resident Evil" movie yet. 

Many people who have seen "Resident Evil" seem to point out that the movie thrives on its twists and turns. "The best thing about the #ResidentEvil games is that you never know what's next. And that's exactly what Zach Cregger's movie is. It's wildly unpredictable, super gross, really funny, and constantly scary," Gizmodo and io9's Germain Lussier wrote on X.

Erik Voss of New Rockstars also highlighted the film's surprises along with its humor and genuine scares, comparing the film's final stretch to "Cabin in the Woods." Meanwhile, Adam Hlaváč compared parts of the movie to John Carpenter's 1982 classic "The Thing," a movie that famously delivers several body horror surprises. While we're on the subject of movie comparisons, Dan Pfleegor of Losers Club Pod complimented "Resident Evil" for capturing the greatest aspects of Cregger's previous films, combined with the video game series' overall vibe. "Resident Evil harnessed the momentum of Weapons' third act & mixed in the nervy fear of Barbarian's "what's behind the next locked door?" Zach Cregger dropped a lot of subtle game references too. Glad he didn't over highlight them. Captures the panicked spirit of the games," his assessment on X read.

Overall, the consensus seems to be that "Resident Evil" is a mighty fine ride that offers Cregger's signature blend of horror, surprises, and offbeat comedy. Soon, viewers will get to see for themselves whether it will surpass his previous works.

"Resident Evil" hits theaters on September 18, 2026.