Resident Evil early reactions: Netizens call Zach Cregger film ‘fresh’ and ‘absolutely wild’

Resident Evil early reactions are out after select audiences watched the first 30 minutes. Zach Cregger’s film is being praised for its scares, gore, dark humour and Austin Abrams’ performance.
M Snehanjali
September 02, 2026 / 23:01 IST
With the initial reactions, the movie seems to present an alternative view of the franchise for both longtime fans and newbies alike.

• Early reactions to new Resident Evil film are positive.
• Film blends dark humor with intense horror.
• Directed by Zach Cregger, releases Sept 18, 2026.

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The much-awaited Resident Evil is gearing up for its theatrical release, and the first reactions to the film are already creating excitement among horror fans. Select audiences were recently given an exclusive look at the first 30 minutes of Zach Cregger’s film, with several viewers taking to social media to share their impressions.

Early reactions suggest that Cregger has also infused the film with his trademark dark humour, intense scares and unpredictable moments.

The new Resident Evil aims to bring a fresh story to the globally popular video game franchise while retaining the survival horror elements that have made the series a favourite among gamers and moviegoers.

Entertainment reporter Jonathan Sim shared on X: “The first 30 minutes of #ResidentEvil are incredible. A hilariously dark vision from Zach Cregger. Austin Abrams is AMAZING as this bumbling protagonist. Features one of the most genius jump scares of the year. Hysterical and so fucking twisted. My audience went BALLISTIC!”

Journalist Joey Magidson, who also attended the special screening, praised the film’s unexpected humour and Cregger’s approach to the material.

He said, “Was just shown the first 30 minutes of Resident Evil. Surprisingly funny! Felt very Barbarian, Zach Cregger wise. Feels like his version of the survival horror games, so consider me very much in for whatever insanity the next hour holds. #ResidentEvil”

Another social media user described the footage as an intense experience and highlighted similarities to Cregger’s earlier work.

They said, “Thank you to Resident Evil & Reddit for putting together an amazing AMA with Zach Cregger!! First 30 minutes of RESIDENT EVIL is UNHINGED!!! He’s taking so many elements from Barbarian & Weapons & infusing them here for what seems to be an ultimate horror survivor experience.”

Josh Blumenkraz also praised the footage, describing Abrams’ character as someone who makes audiences feel as though they are inside the game.

He said, “The first 30 minutes of #ResidentEvil so freaking good! You follow Austin Abrams and feel like you are in the game! It’s funny, violent and has scares! Can’t wait to see the rest! Zach Cregger is cooking! Thanks @Reddit and @SonyPictures for the fun event! Go see it Sept 18!”

Yet another viewer found the first half hour “fresh and original,” while heaping praise on Abrams as the perfect person for the part.

They wrote, “Saw the first 30 mins of #ResidentEvil and I am so hooked. Zach Cregger puts you straight into the world. It’s fresh and original and also surprisingly funny! Austin Abrams is the right choice as the lead role and the gore is fuc***g awesome!! Can’t wait to see the rest!”

From the reactions given thus far, the balance that Resident Evil creates between horror and comedy seems to be what stands out. Despite the film featuring scenes that are said to include violence and gore, the humour seems to be a defining factor of the film. Reactions given thus far also reveal that Cregger has managed to incorporate some of his filmmaking style into the franchise while maintaining its roots in survival horror.

In addition to the opening scenes being expectedly frightening, the first 30 minutes of the film also seem to put viewers in the heart of action with a number of surprises and scares. With the initial reactions, the movie seems to present an alternative view of the franchise for both longtime fans and newbies alike.

Produced by Columbia Pictures and Constantin Film, in association with TriStar Pictures, Resident Evil will be released by Sony Pictures Entertainment India in cinemas on September 18, 2026. The film will be released in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

M Snehanjali is a Sub Editor and journalist with over two years of experience covering general news and entertainment in digital newsroom.
first published: Sep 2, 2026 11:00 pm

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