From Slate Magazine · Nadira Goffe · · 2m
Resident Evil is terrifyingly good
Director Zach Cregger's video game adaptation balances scares, gore, and humor in a lean 90-minute survival film.
In brief
Director Zach Cregger's video game adaptation balances scares, gore, and humor in a lean 90-minute survival film. Resident Evil proves that video game adaptations can work when a director brings their own vision rather than just fitting into existing molds. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
Meet the Scaredy Scale
Slate created a system to rate horror movies across suspense, spookiness, and gore so you know what kind of scares you're getting into.
Cregger's bold follow-up move
After his Oscar-winning original horror film Weapons, director Zach Cregger chose to make a Resident Evil video game adaptation, which sounds risky but turns out to be delightfully his own vision.
The setup: survival in 90 minutes
Austin Abrams plays Bryan, a medical courier delivering a mysterious package who gets caught in a zombie-like outbreak. The lean film uses smart camera work to make you feel like you're playing the video game.
Suspense hits an 8 out of 10
Resident Evil deploys escalating jumpscares across desolate snowy farmlands and emptied cities, with one particularly devious moment that made theater-goers scream. Each scare feels earned and visually interesting.
Gore reaches an 8 as well
The film features beheadings, bisections, acid vomit, infected children, and tentacles bursting from mangled bodies. But Cregger keeps a light comedic tone, so you're disgusted one second and laughing the next.
“you're disgusted one second and laughing the very next”
Spookiness scores a 5
Resident Evil prioritizes giggles and heart-rate spikes over soul-destroying fear. Austin Abrams' quippy performance as an incapable hero lightens the mood, though some images linger after the credits roll.
Overall rating: a solid 7
Resident Evil balances creepiness and self-awareness to keep you on edge while smiling. It won't be the scariest movie you see this year, but that's actually a good thing.
“It won't be the scariest movie you see this year, but thank goodness for that.”
Game design meets filmmaking
The camera pans like you're holding the controller, and Bryan faces obstacles one after another, each blocked by padlocks he must shoot. It feels like playing a narrative survival game.
Cregger's unique vision shines through
Despite adapting an existing franchise, Cregger crafts something refreshingly unique. The film honors the games while standing on its own as a thrilling, tonal adventure that mirrors the viewer's mixed feelings.
In short
Resident Evil proves that video game adaptations can work when a director brings their own vision rather than just fitting into existing molds.
