Resident Evil fans are applauding the latest cinematic reboot of the iconic horror franchise. Directed by Zach Cregger, the film reimagines the early days of the series by following a new protagonist, Bryan (Austin Abrams), who is thrust into a zombie outbreak in Raccoon City. According to Little White Lies, the reboot avoids the pitfalls of past adaptations by presenting a self-contained story that honors the source material without relying on nostalgia-driven marketing. The film has been described as an “absolute blast” and is praised for its effective horror elements, a return to basics reminiscent of the 2017 Resident Evil 7: Biohazard game.

Steam Success and Cultural Reception

While the film has drawn attention, the Resident Evil Requiem video game has also made headlines. The game, which marks the 30th anniversary of the series, has broken Steam records and received a 69.01% positive rating on the platform as of March 23, 2026, according to sports.khan.co.kr. This marks a significant improvement from the initial 50% positive range after launch, while the game’s success has been attributed to a patch that improved keyboard-and-mouse controls and added new features to enhance the player experience. The title studies the origins of Raccoon City and introduces a new character, Grace, who becomes entangled in the city’s dark past.

Controversy Over Reviews

However, the gaming industry has also faced controversy as reports emerged of reviews affecting the credibility of critical scores, but According to Hardwareluxx, a review for Resident Evil Requiem on Metacritic was deleted after it was found to be. The review, attributed to a non-existent critic named “Brian Merrygold,” gave the game nine out of ten points but offered no specific observations about gameplay, and the review was flagged due to the lack of a verifiable author and the use of an profile picture. This incident has raised concerns about the authenticity of game reviews and the impact of AI on media credibility.

Director’s Vision and Fan Reception

Cregger, known for films like Barbarian and The Pod Generation, has long been a fan of the Resident Evil franchise; According to Infobae, Cregger’s approach to the reboot was to focus on a self-contained story that could exist alongside the existing canon without reusing characters. The film blends horror with humor and has been praised for its fresh take on the genre; the protagonist Bryan, a medical courier, is described as a relatable figure whose journey mirrors the survival horror roots of the original games. The story’s icy woodland setting and Raccoon City setting have drawn comparisons to the early entries in the game series.

As the Resident Evil franchise continues to evolve across film and gaming, the reboot and Resquiem have shown the series’ ability to adapt while maintaining its core appeal. The mixed but generally positive reception highlights the challenge of satisfying a long-time fanbase while attracting new audiences.