New Resident Evil Film Earns Strong Critical Praise at Premiere

The new Resident Evil film, directed by Zach Cregger, received enthusiastic early reactions following its premiere at Fantastic Fest on September 16, 2026. Critics praised the movie for its successful blend of survival horror, comedy, and video game-inspired mechanics, marking a promising reboot for the long-running franchise. Starring Austin Abrams as Bryan, a medical courier caught in a viral outbreak in Raccoon City, the film follows a single night of terror as Bryan delivers a package to a hospital and fights mutated creatures. The story is set during a blizzard that isolates characters and kills cell phone signals, adding to the tension. Early reviews highlighted the film's relentless pace and gory set pieces, with critics noting how it translates gameplay tropes into cinematic moments. For instance, Bryan's poor aim and resource scarcity subvert typical action hero tropes, creating suspense and humor. The film also features a cliffhanger ending that leaves room for potential sequels. This is Sony's second reboot of the Resident Evil franchise, following the 2021 film "Welcome to Raccoon City," which was a commercial and critical flop, and the canceled Netflix series.