My first review of 2026 is one of a film that is based on a videogame; this speaks to the strange times that we are living in. Some of the greatest disasters in filmmaking are based on games such as Double Dragon, the Mortal Kombat franchise, and let’s not forget the atrocious Super Mario Bros movie from 1993. This is the first Resident Evil movie that I have seen. So why did I spend my time and money driving to the IMAX to see it? The answer is a no-brainer; Zack Kregger directed it!

            If you were keeping up with horror films back in 2022, you surely heard the buzz about Kregger’s first horror film, The Barbarian. It seemed as if people were coming out of the woodwork to ask my thoughts on it, and while it was a good film, it barely holds a candle to its follow-up, Weapons. Weapons was an exceptional horror story with Julia Garner, whom you may remember as Ruth from the show Ozark. She takes the lead roll elevating the story with personality that she instills into the protagonist. Garner and Josh Brolin shine brightly in throughout the film, making it memorable and fun. When I read that Kregger was directing the newest Resident Evil movie, I knew there was hope, as his track-record has proven his consistency. 

            Resident Evil (2026) is a fast-paced action-adventure horror film that is full of effective jump scares and excitement. As I watched this in the IMAX, I felt like I was over stimulated and absorbed into a video game as the story consistently moves and unfolds. The pacing of the flick is unique and takes the viewer through different settings, giving the illusion of separate levels of a game. One of the most impressive features of the film is its reverence to intense body horror visuals that at times reminded me of The Substance and the beloved Cthulhu influence in the 90’s films of Stuart Gordon and Bryan Yunza.

            The film follows a medical delivery guy as he runs into trouble on a treacherous drive to Raccoon City, where he is being paid double to deliver a very important package. This lead character is played by Austin Abrahms and is likeable as he is navigating car trouble, complications with his relationship, and trying to prevent the destruction of mankind. He is quick witted and has the reflexes of a martial artist, and why shouldn’t he? Afterall, he is a delivery boy!

            One of the greatest things about this film is the fact that it is purely entertainment, as a film made after a game should be. In this sense, it reminds me of the type of horror movies that I grew up on. Sure, the government is bad in the film, but that’s a given. There is no depressing message, hidden symbolism, or obvious agenda. It’s just a great movie that doesn’t overexplain or apologize, rather it offers a 94 minute escape. 

About Nathan Conrad:

He’s best known as the Nashville-based Hip Hop/Indie Pop emcee Spoken Nerd, but this isn’t your typical rap project. He rhymes playfully at times, singing and/or rapping, juxtaposing his style with real-life situations and subject matter. Occasionally Spoken Nerd will find inspiration in films and will put it into song. With eight full-length albums into his career, the rapper has built a healthy catalog of music, which doesn’t include the number of EPs and singles released.