Resident Evil: First 30 Mins Leave Audiences Impressed, Call Zach Cregger Film ‘Fresh’ and ‘Absolutely Wild’

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 firmly rooted in the survival horror DNA that has made Resident Evil an enduring name among gamers and moviegoers alike.

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 overwhelmingly positive, with viewers praising the film’s dark humor, intense scares, game-like atmosphere, and Austin Abrams' standout 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 f***ing twisted. My audience went BALLISTIC!" https://x.com/TheJonathanSim/status/2094965233408192952

Journalist Joey Magidson, who was also present at the venue, noted: “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

Another attendee highlighted the director's influences, posting: "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

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

Josh Blumenkraz described the immersive nature of the exclusive footage: "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

Another audience member echoed the praise: "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

The combination of horror and comedy has stood out sharply in these early reactions. While the footage reportedly delivers disturbing and violent moments, its unexpected humor adds a surprising contrast. This balance allows Cregger to bring his distinct filmmaking style to the franchise while offering audiences a fresh tone.

Ultimately, these initial impressions suggest a strong focus on the core survival horror experience. From the visceral gore to the unpredictable pacing, the opening act appears to perfectly capture the feeling of surviving a 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.