Reel Talk: RESIDENT EVIL

 

Nationally Released Friday, September 18, 2026

Review by L.K. Byron

With Halloween just around the corner, we are quickly approaching spooky movie season, with soon-to-come box-office contenders anxious to deliver the thrills and chills we’ve become accustomed to this time of year. As you might’ve guessed, we already have an early contender looking to satisfy that appetite: the much-anticipated Resident Evil.

Yes, this is based on the video game, and yes, it is the latest edition in a long-running film series. I can assure you, this updated addition is well worth a trip to your local movie house. Be sure to make all of your concession purchases before this one begins because you won’t find many dull moments to detach yourself from the entertainment Resident Evil delivers.

As we move into a brief description of the storyline, we are introduced to Bryan, played by the well-cast Austin Abrams. Bryan is a medical courier who’s highly humorous, driven, and has hit a bit of a rough patch with his finances and pressing personal-life issues.

On a snowy and hazardous night, against better judgment, he throws caution to the wind and accepts a delivery to an obscure and remote location that promises a higher-than-usual payment upon completion. Unfortunately, the risk of this out-of-the-norm gig completely outweighs the reward. If Bryan had the ability to predict his own future, this job definitely would have been declined.

Careful not to give too much away, let’s just say the next chapter of his life connected to this drop-off is unforeseen and mind-blowing, delivering a heart-pounding and tumultuous thrill ride that will grab your attention from start to finish.

Bryan’s fight for survival against seemingly unconquerable odds—including mutated monsters, a virus outbreak, and ever-mounting obstacles—drives the plot toward a dramatic climax. If you’re a fan of suspense, special effects, adventure, and the undeniable shock factor, Resident Evil checks those boxes.
Running Time: 95 minutes
Rating: R
Director: Zach Cregger
Writers: Zach Cregger, Shay Hatten