Zach Cregger, known for his background in comedy and filmmaking, has taken a distinctive approach to adapting the Resident Evil video game franchise into a feature film. Released recently in cinemas, the movie aims to replicate the immersive experience of a 90-minute gameplay session, making it accessible both to longtime fans and newcomers unfamiliar with the series.
The film follows the character Bryan, a medical courier portrayed by Austin Abrams, as he transports a cooler containing a transplant organ from a hospital in the flatlands to a mountain facility near Raccoon City, Colorado. Unbeknownst to Bryan, a zombie outbreak is unfolding along his route. Emulating the games’ structure, Bryan moves through a variety of settings including snowy roads, abandoned farmhouses, and dank sewage tunnels. Each environment presents challenges that require him to scavenge for resources in order to survive.
Filming took place in rural Czechia, a setting that proved demanding for Cregger, who endured a bout of pneumonia and a bacterial infection during production. The location’s cold, dark conditions contributed to the grim atmosphere intended for the movie.
Cregger employed over-the-shoulder camera angles popular in third-person shooter games to imitate the player perspective, while Bryan’s dialogue mostly consists of a string of expletives and muttered comments, reflecting how many gamers vocalize their anxiety and frustration during play. Cregger describes Bryan as essentially being a reflection of himself, embodying his own personality and reactions. This characterization diverges from typical horror protagonists, often depicted as exaggerated victims or archetypal scream queens, by presenting a more authentic and relatable figure.
Raised in a middle-class suburban household, Cregger draws on his personal history and creative influences, which include transcendental meditation practices and classic cinematic storytelling. His career began in comedy, co-founding the troupe The Whitest Kids U’Know, which disbanded in 2022. In the aftermath of the death of close collaborator Trevor Moore, Cregger wrote screenplays for several projects, including Resident Evil and other upcoming films.
He sees a strong connection between the skills required for comedy and horror, citing the importance of surprise and timing in eliciting both laughter and scares. Cregger also expressed admiration for unconventional horror imagery, favoring moments that create tension through stillness or bizarre visuals.
Though often grouped with contemporary online horror creators, Cregger identifies more traditional, cinematic influences for his work. He embraces a creative philosophy focused on channeling inspiration from the subconscious and external sources, rather than strictly controlling artistic output.
The current resurgence in horror’s popularity within Hollywood is often attributed to the genre’s ability to generate high-impact experiences with relatively modest budgets and limited reliance on star power. Cregger’s adaptation of Resident Evil fits within this context, providing a fresh take on a well-known franchise that balances fan service with broader appeal.