Zach Cregger’s ‘Resident Evil’ First Social Reactions Are In, Here’s What Viewers Are Saying

Avatar photoValentina Kraljik
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Video game adaptations have long struggled to shake off a reputation for disappointing fans who cherish the original material. Each new release comes with the hope that it will finally get it right, but audiences often brace for disappointment.

This skepticism has particularly surrounded the ‘Resident Evil’ franchise, which has had a tumultuous history in film. Zach Cregger’s interpretation of the iconic Capcom series has been building a different kind of buzz, fueled by test screenings, brief previews, and the director’s claims that this is his most violent film yet.

Now, the first full reactions are in, and they are nothing short of extraordinary. A verified account named Global Box Office declared that Cregger’s ‘Resident Evil’ is “not only the best and most gigantic ‘Resident Evil’ movie yet,” but also the director’s finest work, the best horror film of the year, and Columbia Pictures’ best release since ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.’ They awarded the film a perfect five-star rating, with a detailed review promised for the next morning.

This praise sets a high bar for the film. Comparing it to ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,’ Quentin Tarantino’s acclaimed 2019 film, places ‘Resident Evil’ in a unique position for a Columbia release, suggesting Cregger has created something that resonates beyond the typical horror audience.

The reactions align with the momentum ‘Resident Evil’ has been gaining since early September, when Sony showcased the first thirty minutes to press and audiences in Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas. Critics who attended these early screenings praised the footage for its tension, humor, and unexpected emotional depth, with many highlighting Austin Abrams’ performance as Bryan, a medical courier caught in a catastrophic outbreak during one disastrous night.

Cregger has openly stated that the film only gets tougher on his protagonist from that point, humorously noting that he himself wouldn’t survive the chaos Bryan faces. This blend of dread and dark humor has become a hallmark of Cregger’s style following ‘Barbarian’ and ‘Weapons,’ and it seems to have carried through into the final cut rather than dissipating after the opening act.

The cast also features Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser alongside Abrams, with Cregger directing from a script he co-wrote with Shay Hatten. Instead of rehashing established characters like Leon Kennedy or Jill Valentine, the film presents an original narrative that unfolds alongside the events of ‘Resident Evil 2,’ allowing Cregger to build suspense without the burden of decades of established lore.

The excitement isn’t limited to critics who have seen the film. Prediction market Kalshi has traders forecasting an 82 percent “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes ahead of the review embargo, a strong figure for any horror release, and especially impressive for a franchise that has historically struggled with critical reception.

With the full review embargo expected to lift soon and the movie hitting theaters on September 18 following its premiere at Fantastic Fest, ‘Resident Evil’ is poised to be one of the year’s more surprising critical success stories. For a franchise that has spent over two decades seeking a cinematic adaptation worthy of its legacy, this could signify a true turning point.

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