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In this critique, Adam Nayman examines filmmaker Zach Cregger’s 2026 reimagining of Resident Evil, characterizing it as a work of de-elevated horror that prioritizes momentum and gore over pretension. Unlike previous cinematic versions, this film centers on a gormless protagonist played by Austin Abrams, whose frantic inadequacy mirrors the experience of a player struggling through a difficult video game. While some fans have criticized the departure from traditional lore, the author defends the movie as a fast-paced, 95-minute comedy-horror that succeeds through its visceral energy. The review highlights Cregger’s ability to blend slapstick humor with gross-out body horror, comparing the lead performance to the iconic physical comedy of Bruce Campbell. Ultimately, the episode suggests that by lowering its narrative ambitions, the film achieves a fluid visual storytelling style that honors the frantic spirit of the source material.
