{
  "id": 9871404,
  "title": "‘Resident Evil’ cements Zach Cregger’s reputation as horror’s brightest new star director",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/resident-evil-cements-zach-creggers-reputation-as-horrors-brightest",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T00:37:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/opinion/2026/09/26/resident-evil-cements-zach-creggers-reputation-as-horrors-brightest-new-star-director/236532"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "SEPTEMBER 26 — Horror director Zach Cregger has cemented his reputation as one of the most promising new voices in the genre with his latest film Resident Evil. Coming from a background of loving Paul W.S. Anderson's original Resident Evil movies, Cregger brings a new direction to the franchise that blends claustrophobic horror, dark humor, and video-game-inspired POV filmmaking. While staying true to its single protagonist, Bryan Hodukavich (played brilliantly by Austin Abrams), the film focuses on Bryan's journey through the nightmare-riddled town of Raccoon City. This shift away from Anderson's surreal aesthetic leads to a more straightforward narrative, anchored on Bryan's survival. Cregger's use of suspenseful set-pieces and humorous moments keeps the audience engaged throughout. However, the film still maintains video-game grammar, with POV camera style that makes us feel like we're playing the game ourselves. This approach recalls Japanese film Exit 8, which trapped viewers in an endless subway corridor. Overall, Resident Evil showcases Cregger's immense talent as a director, marking an exciting new chapter for the franchise.",
  "summary": "SEPTEMBER 26 — I’ve never been much of a gamer. While die-hard video game purists spent decades complaining...",
  "key_points": [
    "Zach Cregger directs horror film Resident Evil, blending claustrophobic horror with dark humor.",
    "Film focuses on single protagonist Bryan Hodukavich's journey through Raccoon City.",
    "Cregger's POV camera style creates immersive gaming experience, recalling Japanese film Exit 8."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Zach Cregger's Resident Evil solidifies his status as a rising star in horror direction, blending claustrophobic horror and dark humor with video-game-inspired filmmaking to revitalize the franchise.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}