🎬Evil Dead Rise (2023)


Trailer provided by Studiocanal via YouTube

            

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Release Date: April 21, 2023

Genre: Supernatural Horror

Director: Lee Cronin

Screenwriter: Lee Cronin

Cast: Lily Sullivan, Alyssa Sutherland, Morgan Davies, Gabrielle Echols, Nell Fisher

Runtime: 96 minutes

Platform: Available on Max (formerly HBO Max)




Introduction


The “Evil Dead” franchise has long been a cornerstone of horror cinema, known for its blend of gore, dark humor, and relentless terror. With “Evil Dead Rise,” director Lee Cronin breathes new life into the series, delivering a fresh yet faithful installment that shifts the setting from isolated cabins to the claustrophobic confines of a Los Angeles apartment building. This fifth entry in the franchise—and second standalone film—manages to honor its roots while carving out a new path filled with blood, screams, and demonic mayhem.




Plot Summary


Beth (Lily Sullivan), a road-weary guitar technician, visits her estranged sister Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland), a single mother raising three children—Danny (Morgan Davies), Bridget (Gabrielle Echols), and Kassie (Nell Fisher)—in a dilapidated apartment complex. Their reunion is abruptly disrupted when an earthquake reveals a hidden chamber in the building’s basement, housing a mysterious book and vinyl records. Danny’s curiosity leads him to play the records, inadvertently unleashing an ancient evil that possesses Ellie, turning her into a horrifying Deadite. As the demonic force spreads, Beth must fight to protect her nieces and nephew, confronting her own fears and the monstrous entity that was once her sister.




Performances


Lily Sullivan delivers a compelling performance as Beth, portraying a woman thrust into a nightmare scenario who must summon inner strength to survive. Her transformation from a hesitant visitor to a fierce protector anchors the film’s emotional core.


Alyssa Sutherland’s portrayal of Ellie is both terrifying and tragic. Her descent into demonic madness is executed with chilling precision, showcasing a range that oscillates between maternal warmth and malevolent horror. Sutherland’s performance is a standout, embodying a Deadite unlike any seen before in the franchise.


The younger cast members—Morgan Davies, Gabrielle Echols, and Nell Fisher—bring authenticity to their roles, effectively conveying the terror and confusion of children caught in a supernatural catastrophe. Nell Fisher, in particular, shines as the youngest sibling, delivering a performance that balances innocence with resilience.




Direction and Cinematography


Lee Cronin’s direction brings a fresh perspective to the “Evil Dead” universe. By relocating the horror to an urban setting, Cronin amplifies the sense of entrapment and vulnerability. The apartment building becomes a character in itself, its decaying structure and confined spaces heightening the tension.


Cinematographer Dave Garbett captures the film’s grim atmosphere with a palette of dark, moody tones, punctuated by visceral imagery that pays homage to the franchise’s legacy. The use of practical effects and inventive camera work contributes to the film’s immersive and unsettling experience.




Screenplay and Themes


Cronin’s screenplay delves into themes of family, motherhood, and survival. The strained relationship between Beth and Ellie adds emotional depth, exploring the complexities of sibling bonds under duress. The film also examines the concept of motherhood, both in its nurturing and destructive forms, as Beth assumes a protective role over her sister’s children.


The narrative maintains a relentless pace, with tension escalating as the characters confront increasingly horrifying scenarios. While the film introduces new elements to the franchise, it retains the core essence of “Evil Dead”—a battle against an unstoppable, malevolent force.




Gore and Special Effects


True to its roots, “Evil Dead Rise” does not shy away from gore. The film features a plethora of gruesome set pieces, including scenes involving a cheese grater and a blood-drenched elevator, that are both inventive and stomach-churning. The practical effects are executed with meticulous detail, enhancing the visceral impact of the horror.


The Deadite design remains faithful to the franchise’s aesthetic, with grotesque makeup and unsettling physical performances that evoke genuine fear. The film’s commitment to practical effects over CGI lends authenticity to its horror, grounding the supernatural elements in tangible reality.




Critical Reception


“Evil Dead Rise” has been met with positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a commendable score, reflecting its successful blend of innovation and homage. Critics have praised its intense atmosphere, effective scares, and strong performances, particularly highlighting Sutherland’s portrayal of Ellie.


Some reviewers have noted the film’s departure from the franchise’s traditional setting as a bold move that pays off, injecting new life into the series. However, others have expressed a desire for more of the dark humor that characterized earlier entries. Nonetheless, the consensus acknowledges “Evil Dead Rise” as a worthy addition to the “Evil Dead” canon.




Conclusion


“Evil Dead Rise” successfully revitalizes a beloved horror franchise, delivering a film that is both reverent to its origins and daring in its execution. Lee Cronin’s vision, combined with strong performances and visceral horror, results in a cinematic experience that is as emotionally resonant as it is terrifying. For fans of the series and newcomers alike, “Evil Dead Rise” offers a compelling and blood-soaked journey into the heart of supernatural terror.


Final Verdict: A chilling and inventive