Evil Dead Rise, a film directed by Lee Cronin (The Hole in the Ground) and produced by Sam Raimi (Creator of the original Evil Dead franchise), promised to deliver a horrific new direction that would open new possibilities the Evil Dead franchise. It did not disappoint!
Beginning with a cabin in the woods and a violently familiar series of events that pay homage to the original franchise, the Evil Dead Rise transports us out of the woods and into a derelict apartment building in Los Angeles. Where the real story begins with the reuniting of two estranged sisters, Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland) and Beth (Lily Sullivan), who are both struggling with life changes that threaten the lives they have built. For Ellie, she is desperately trying to hold her family together after being abandoned by her husband and dealing with the prospect of losing their home. Meanwhile, Beth is reeling from the discovery that she is pregnant and trying to figure out what to do with her life. Their reunion and any hope of a heartwarming sisterly bond coming through to save the day is cut short when Ellie is possessed by a deadite after her kids discover the infamous Book of the Dead and set off a entertainingly gory and hopeless chain of events.
Evil Dead Rise delivers the ultra-violent and blood-soaked fun expected of an Evil Dead movie, but the incredible use practical effects and gore is truly spectacular. The makeup and creature design, are so terrifyingly done well that the film’s dark, visceral and terrifying atmosphere feel way too real. It strengthens the chemistry and performances of the cast and the viewing experience as you’re not distracted by the overuse of obvious and bad CGI that plagues modern horror films. From start to finish, you are wholly and hopelessly invested in the survival of all of the building’s occupants, but as they each meet a gruesome end, you find yourself cheering their demise!
The action and horror comes fast and furious, never lingering too long on any one character or scene, making it impossible to turn away from intense violent and gore. Lee Cronin has done an incredible job of staying true to the legacy of the original Evil Dead franchise. He maintains the franchise’s signature blend of horror and dark humor, while masterfully orchestrating a visceral and stomach-churning experience that will delight even the most hardcore of horror purists.
