Director Zach Cregger’s latest film, a reboot of the *Resident Evil* franchise, has been hailed as a "terrific" and "truly fresh take" on the long-running horror series. The new installment blends horror, humor, and over-the-top gore in a manner that critics suggest revitalizes the flagging franchise, proving enjoyable even for audiences unfamiliar with the original games or films.
The positive reception comes after a period of significant struggles for the *Resident Evil* cinematic universe. The previous reboot attempt, *Welcome to Raccoon City*, released in 2021, was critically panned and underperformed at the box office. That film grossed only $42 million globally against a $25 million production budget, leading the studio to cancel plans for a direct sequel. Additionally, a 2022 Netflix series based on the franchise was canceled following a poorly received first season.
Cregger, who previously directed the 2024 film *Weapons*, was chosen to helm the new project following early positive word-of-mouth. His distinctive sensibility has been credited with bringing a necessary new energy to the material, which had previously been defined by the mixed reviews and massive box office success of the Paul W.S. Anderson-directed films starring Milla Jovovich.
The *Resident Evil* franchise originated with the 1996 video game, which became an immediate commercial and critical success. The property subsequently expanded into a lucrative multimedia empire, including sequels, comics, novels, and the aforementioned film series. Despite the commercial viability of the earlier movies, the franchise had become uninspired in recent years, prompting the decision to bring in a new director for this latest iteration.
Reviewers note that the new film does not require prior knowledge of the *Resident Evil* canon to be appreciated. The film is described as a successful blend of genres that addresses the stagnation of the franchise, offering a distinct voice that contrasts sharply with the 2021 reboot.
<small>Source: Ars Technica — read the original story there.</small>
