Early Reactions Hail First 30 Minutes of Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil as ‘Fresh’, ‘Absolutely Wild’, and ‘Unhinged’!
Resident Evil is set to release on 18th September in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
With the highly anticipated return of Resident Evil to the big screen, horror and survival thriller fans are gearing up for a terrifying new chapter inspired by the globally popular video game franchise. Directed by Zach Cregger, the film promises a fresh story while staying rooted in the survival horror DNA that has made Resident Evil an enduring name among gamers and movie watchers.
Ahead of its theatrical release, select audiences were given an exclusive look at the first 30 minutes of the film. Following the special screenings, early reactions on social media have been very positive, with viewers praising the film’s dark humour, intense scares and the game-like atmosphere and Austin Abram’s performance.
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!”
https://x.com/TheJonathanSim/status/2094965233408192952?s=20
Journalist Joey Magidson was also present at the venue and 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”
https://x.com/JoeyMagidson/status/2094965694647472299?s=20
Another social media user also 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 👏”
https://x.com/blurayangel/status/2094997092171461081?s=20
Entertainment writer Christopher Gallardo added, “Those FIRST 30 MINUTES of #ResidentEvil are ABSOLUTELY WILD. Zach Cregger really keeps you on your toes with the scares and Austin Abrams’ chaotic and clumsy energy perfectly fits the intense tone. It truly reflects that gaming experience every player has with survival horrors.”
https://x.com/chrisagwrites/status/2094965878047506535?s=20
Josh Blumenkraz described the exclusive footage as, “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!
https://x.com/moviebuddyjb/status/2095021815026626691?s=20
Another audience member described the footage as, “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!”
https://x.com/tylerdisney12/status/2094969142755619000?s=20
The combination of horror and comedy has also stood out in the early reactions. While the footage reportedly delivers very disturbing and violent moments, its unexpected humour adds a surprising contrast for the fans. The balance could allow the director Zach Cregger to bring his own filmmaking style to the franchise while offering audiences a fresh tone on Resident Evil.
The early reactions also suggest that Cregger is putting a strong focus on the survival horror experience. From the scares and gore to the unpredictable moments, the first 30 minutes appear to capture the feeling of being inside a survival horror game.
Produced by Columbia Pictures and Constantin Film, in association with TriStar Pictures. Sony Pictures Entertainment India will release Resident Evil on 18th September 2026 in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, exclusively in cinemas.
By Keerti Kadam