# Resident Evil is terrifyingly good

> Director Zach Cregger's video game adaptation balances scares, gore, and humor in a lean 90-minute survival film.
- Title: Resident Evil is terrifyingly good · Slate Magazine | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: resident evil, zach cregger, horror film, video game adaptation, capcom, austin abrams, scaredy scale, jumpscares, gore, survival horror, Resident, Evil
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/culture/2026/09/resident-evil-movie-new-2026-horror-how-scary-weapons.html?via=rss
- Author: Nadira Goffe
- Published: 2026-09-18T17:31:09+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: resident evil, zach cregger, horror film, video game adaptation, capcom, austin abrams, scaredy scale, jumpscares, gore, survival horror
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Resident Evil proves that video game adaptations can work when a director brings their own vision rather than just fitting into existing molds.