Zach Cregger reinvents Resident Evil on the big screen by focusing on the sensations of survival horror
In his new Resident Evil film , Zach Cregger abandons the highly trained heroes and spectacular action to place an ordinary person at the heart of the chaos of Raccoon City. The review published by Cinématraque on September 18, 2026, praises an adaptation that focuses less on replicating the games’ plot and more on conveying their inherent fear.
A delivery driver trapped in Raccoon City
The film follows Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, who is sent to Raccoon City to deliver an urgent medical package. The mission takes a dramatic turn when the city descends into chaos: the deliveryman must then try to survive in an environment where danger can arise at any moment.
This situation allows Zach Cregger to return to the survival horror genre, central to the video game franchise. Rather than portraying Bryan as a fighter capable of regaining control, the narrative confronts him with obstacles and creatures beyond his control. The other characters he encounters are also depicted as bewildered. Even the character played by Kali Reis, despite being armed against zombies, is not presented as a savior come to restore order to the city.
An adaptation conceived as a game.
The film doesn’t directly retell Leon S. Kennedy’s story. Its narrative unfolds alongside the events of the games, as the situation in Raccoon City deteriorates. This choice, which has drawn hostility from some fans according to Cinématraque, gives the director the freedom to construct his own plot.
The fidelity claimed by critics is more accurately described as fidelity to the game’s feel. Bryan must progress toward his goal despite locked doors, keys to find, and threats that complicate his journey. His hesitations, detours, and mistakes reflect the vulnerability of a player advancing with limited resources and un of what lies ahead.
The film’s direction contributes to this sense of immersion: several shots follow Bryan from behind, while the film lingers on his bullet count or his health status. These details bring the viewer closer to the usual constraints of a survival game. The character can also freeze in the face of danger or run around in circles to escape it, rather than acting like a confident hero.
A gory bestiary, devoid of spectacular heroism
Zombies and the T-virus are not the only threats mentioned in the film. The bestiary evolves as Bryan progresses, with creatures that critics compare to those of Left 4 Dead and The Last of Us , while also noting a kinship with the monster variations specific to Resident Evil .
Cinématraque highlights the use of gore and practical effects, but also emphasizes a gritty and unpretentious aesthetic. The film doesn’t depict the arrival of Leon Kennedy or Jill Valentine to resolve the crisis. The threat remains paramount, while Bryan and those around him appear overwhelmed by events.
In his review, Gabin Fontaine sees this approach as another way to adapt a video game: not by transposing its plot exactly, but by seeking to recreate the player’s experience. Zach Cregger’s film, starring Austin Abrams, Paul Walter Hauser, Kali Reis, and Zach Cherry, was released in theaters on September 16, 2026.
Source: Cinématraque (www.cinematraque.com)
Original article: See the original source
Author: Gabin Fontaine
