Resident Evil Movie Review: Zach Cregger's Fresh Take Delivers Scares and Strong Performances

Resident Evil Movie Review

RESIDENT EVIL follows the story of Bryan (Austin Abrams), a medical courier who takes on a high-priority delivery to Raccoon City General Hospital for double the fee offered by Dr. Maria Stokes (Emily Piggford). Traveling along a deserted, snowy highway, Bryan begins encountering strange creatures that attack him.

The story and screenplay, written by Zach Cregger and Shay Hatten, provide a novel touch while staying in the franchise's zone. The film features gripping moments and regular jumpscares, though the writing becomes slightly underwhelming in the second half with some repetition and an underground drain sequence that drags.

Zach Cregger's direction gives the film a fresh, video-game-like treatment. The cast features Austin Abrams dominating the screen in an engaging, relatable performance as Bryan. Support comes from Zach Cherry as Carl, Kali Reis as Maxine, Paul Walter Hauser as Paul, Johnno Wilson as Wilson, and Andrea Miltnerová as the first zombie.

Technical aspects include music by Hays Holladay and Ryan Holladay, cinematography by Dariusz Wolski capturing stunning locations, realistic costumes by Caroline Fahrer, production design by Tom Hammock, gore-inclusive action, top-class VFX, and editing by Joe Murphy.

Ultimately, the film works due to Zach Cregger's treatment, Austin Abrams' performance, and well-executed scares, though its box office prospects in India may face limitations due to a smaller existing following for the franchise.