You might not be a gamer — but Resident Evil (2026) will convince you to try and become one.
I had no expectations.
None.
And I was floored.
Resident Evil (2026) was the most fun I’ve had watching a piece of horror in ages. It was the most fun I’ve had watching any movie in ages. The pacing of this film aligned with the game so well, it felt like you were playing in one — LIVING in one — beside our hero — Austin Abrams’ Bryan.
We follow our lead, Bryan Hodukavich, on his medical transport run up to Raccoon City Hospital — only to find out that there’s more than just snowy roads that will keep him from getting there.
Zombies. It’s weird tentacle-body-morphing-monster zombies.
What truly draws the audience and keeps the pace racing through the film was Abrams’ relatability on camera. With every shrill scream, curse word, and shot at a padlock, he cemented his role as “just a guy,” and played it so well. Abrams’ performance of this character, who starts off with the spine of cooked linguine and steels himself to making it through every encounter, was extremely compelling.
So much so that the amount of Byran Hodukavich thirst traps popping up on my feed are astronomical. Seriously, it’s like every other reel. And do I mind? Not really. Whoever decided to give Abrams’ Bryan a shag cut and a slutty earring to go with that smile should be paid double. There’s a lot of love out there for a subby man.
I don’t think it’s revolutionary for me to point out the similarities between playing the game and watching the movie, but it’s worth reiterating. Features included: new set, new monster — camera angles that made it look like you were the shooter and made everything personal — and an atmosphere so striking visually that you could feel yourself there. It’s what made the viewing experience truly something unique and special.
Director Zach Cregger really loved the games and knew exactly how to follow through on a brilliant plot and an even better vision. Every frame of this movie was made with love, and that’s what has made it my favorite horror of the year. Yes — I liked it better than Obsession (2026).
Favorite scenes:
- The acid vomit in the elevator
- There were so many hands and feet coming out of that door
- “I’m sorry I hit you with my car. Fuck off.”
If you haven’t seen it yet — I highly recommend it — 9 / 10 zombie tentacles.
