The Resident Evil franchise is once again heading to the big screen, this time with filmmaker Zach Cregger taking the reins of the long-running horror property. Cregger, who earned widespread attention for Barbarian and followed it with Weapons, is bringing a new story to the video game universe rather than revisiting the established characters and plots from the games. Now, the first reactions to Cregger’s take on the iconic survival-horror franchise have arrived, and critics appear to have found plenty to celebrate.

The new Resident Evil had its premiere ahead of its theatrical release, giving critics and other attendees their first opportunity to experience the full film. The first reactions came after the film's Fantastic Fest premiere, ahead of its September 18 theatrical release, highlighting the movie’s horror, gore, humor, creature designs, and Cregger’s approach to adapting the beloved game series.

The reactions are particularly notable given the challenge of bringing Resident Evil back to theaters after multiple previous cinematic interpretations.

Cregger has taken the story in a different direction, introducing new characters while aiming to preserve the atmosphere and rules that made the games distinctive. The filmmaker previously described his movie as a new story that remains faithful to the lore of the games.

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With critics now getting their first proper look at Cregger’s vision, it is time to see exactly what they are saying about the latest journey into the Resident Evil universe.

Following the film’s premiere, critics and attendees quickly took to social media to share their first impressions of Resident Evil. The early response has centered on the film’s intense horror, gory action, creature work, humor, and Austin Abrams’ performance, with some reactions going as far as calling it one of the best video game adaptations ever made.

"Zach Cregger is the f****** man and #ResidentEvil is one of the best video game adaptations ever made and one of the best horror movies in recent memory. Incredible title drop, Austin Abrams is hilarious to watch stumble around killing zombies, 10/10," wrote Variety's Jordan Moreau.  

"RESIDENT EVIL: one of those films you have to see on the biggest screen with a big crowd! A true horror blockbuster. Zach Cregger goes bigger, scarier, and at his most fun. This is how you make horror into a cinematic spectacle," wrote Tomatometer critic EJ Moreno on X.

"#ResidentEvil may not feature recognizable characters/storylines, but by tapping into the relentless tension of the games, Zach Cregger has actually delivered the most faithful take yet. Very bloody, very funny, and it made me jump at least 3 times (no easy task). The fella sitting in front of me hid behind his jacket for most of the movie. Easily among the best video game adaptations I've seen.," said another Tomatometer critic, Mark Cassidy, on X.

Tristian Circa '89 shared on X: "It’s just as intense and horrifying as you’d expect a ‘Resident Evil’ movie to be while integrating some great humorous moments throughout."

Film journalist and editor-in-chief of SplashReport.com, Kellvin Chavez wrote: "Zach Cregger delivers relentless suspense, gloriously gory action, and some seriously twisted, Thing-esque creature designs. Pure SURVIVAL HORROR and easily the best ‘Resident Evil’ movie yet. Austin Abrams is terrific."

For now, the early reactions suggest Cregger’s Resident Evil could offer fans a bloody, chaotic, and distinctly fresh take on the beloved horror franchise. It seems like all the defence Cregger used to protect the film from fans' backlash could be correct all along.

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Are you excited for Resident Evil? Let us know in the comments below.