“A gore-spattered roller-coaster ride”: Resident Evil review

September 24, 2026 - 04:49

The new Resident Evil adaptation arrives with a clear mission: to embrace the chaotic, visceral spirit of the games rather than apologize for them. And for the most part, it succeeds with a confidence that fans have been waiting years to see.

This is not a film that tries to elevate its source material into something respectable. Instead, it leans hard into what makes the franchise work. The corridors are tight. The monsters are grotesque. The tension never lets up. What emerges is a gore-spattered roller-coaster ride that understands exactly what kind of experience it wants to deliver.

The pacing keeps things moving without sacrificing the slow dread that defines the best moments of the games. Practical effects and creature design get room to shine, giving the horror a tactile quality that CGI often strips away. Characters make questionable decisions, sure, but that has always been part of the charm.

What stands out most is the respect shown toward the gaming audience. There is no winking at the camera, no attempt to distance itself from its origins. The film treats the source material as a foundation, not a burden. For anyone who has spent hours navigating dark hallways and managing limited ammunition, this feels like a proper nod rather than a cash grab.

It may not reinvent horror cinema, but it delivers exactly what it promises: blood, tension, and a wild ride from start to finish.