Movie Review: Zach Cregger and Austin Abrams find just enough humor amid the gore in 'Resident Evil'

September 16, 2026 - 18:12

The latest entry in the Resident Evil film franchise takes a different approach to the familiar survival horror formula. Zach Cregger steps into the director's chair, bringing his signature blend of tension and unexpected humor to a series known primarily for jump scares and biological monstrosities. Austin Abrams leads the cast as Bryan, a character who seems profoundly out of his depth in the chaotic world he has stumbled into.

A key moment in the film captures the tone perfectly. Bryan, struggling to assemble a machine gun while danger closes in, admits, "I only use guns in video games. It's confusing in real life!" His impatient companion pushes him to move faster, but Bryan's fumbling attempts highlight the gap between digital confidence and real world survival. It is a sentiment many viewers can relate to, and it grounds the absurdity of the situation in something recognizable.

Cregger balances the gruesome elements fans expect with moments of levity that do not undermine the stakes. The result is a film that acknowledges the ridiculousness of its premise while still delivering the tension and action that define the franchise. Abrams brings a nervous energy to his role, making Bryan both frustrating and oddly endearing. For audiences tired of grim, humorless horror, this take offers a refreshing alternative that remembers to laugh even when things get bloody.