Director Zach Cregger Delivers Infectious 'Resident Evil' Reboot

Director Zach Cregger has delivered a gory and entertaining reboot of the "Resident Evil" video game franchise with his latest horror film. The movie, starring Austin Abrams, is noted for its seamless blend of terror and humor, a combination that Cregger has proven adept at handling.

This iteration of "Resident Evil" diverges from previous film installments by not featuring Milla Jovovich's character, Alice. Instead, the story centers on Bryan, a medical courier played by Abrams, who is tasked with delivering what he believes to be an organ to a hospital in Raccoon City. What begins as a routine delivery quickly escalates into a fight for survival when a lab leak from the Umbrella Corporation unleashes a virus that transforms organisms into monstrous creatures.

Abrams, recognized for his roles in "Euphoria" and "This Is Us," takes on the lead as Bryan. Unlike the action-hero archetype often seen in the franchise, Bryan is portrayed as a less conventional protagonist who struggles with the dire situation. His performance is described as endearing and relatable, generating laughs as he maintains a serious demeanor amidst the chaos. The film is seen as a potential breakthrough for Abrams in a leading man capacity.

While Abrams carries much of the film, supporting performances are provided by Paul Walter Hauser, Kali Reis, and Zach Cherry, who make memorable appearances. Hauser, known for "Richard Jewell" and "I, Tonya," Reis from "True Detective," and Cherry from "Severance" contribute to the film's cast.

Cregger, along with co-writer Shay Hatten, incorporates elements that echo the video game experience, including first-person perspectives and tracking shots. The film's production value is highlighted as superior to previous entries, with cinematography by Oscar nominee Dariusz Wolski, a score by Hays and Ryan Holladay, and editing by Joe Murphy, all of whom previously collaborated with Cregger on "Weapons" and "Barbarian." The special effects and makeup are also praised for their gruesome execution.

"Resident Evil" is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, and language throughout, with a running time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.