Movie Review: Evil Dead Rise – A Bloody, Intense Journey into Horror
The Evil Dead franchise, renowned for its bloody gore and terrifying atmosphere, returns with a vengeance in Evil Dead Rise, directed by Lee Cronin. Following the success of previous iterations, this new addition takes the horror to an urban setting, blending the classic elements of the series with fresh, terrifying twists. But does it live up to the legacy of its predecessors? Let’s dive into the chaos, bloodshed, and relentless terror of Evil Dead Rise.
Plot Overview:
Evil Dead Rise shifts the traditional setting from a remote cabin in the woods to a high-rise apartment building in a bustling city. The story revolves around two sisters, Beth (Lily Sullivan) and Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland), who become entangled in a nightmare when a mysterious book, the Necronomicon, unleashes an ancient evil. As a demonic force begins to possess Ellie, chaos ensues, and Beth must do everything in her power to save her family from the monstrous transformation.
This change in setting injects a fresh sense of claustrophobia into the narrative. Rather than vast, open spaces, the action takes place within tight, confined hallways and apartments, which enhances the horror and makes every encounter feel much more intimate. The high-rise building becomes a prison, trapping the characters with the horrors they cannot escape.
The Horror:
From the opening sequence, Evil Dead Rise hits the ground running, establishing an unrelenting pace that doesn’t let up. The tension builds quickly, and once the demonic possession starts, the terror is non-stop. The film’s gore is unapologetically visceral, with skin-splitting violence, brutal dismemberment, and twisted body horror that will leave viewers gasping in both fear and fascination.
Lee Cronin doesn’t shy away from using the camera to maximize the uncomfortable atmosphere. There’s an art to the way tension is built in horror, and Evil Dead Rise strikes a perfect balance between suspense and gruesome payoff. The high-rise setting, with its narrow hallways and cramped spaces, further amplifies the sense of dread, creating a sense of suffocating terror.
The Performances:
Alyssa Sutherland’s portrayal of Ellie is both haunting and impressive. As the demonically possessed version of Ellie, Sutherland brings an eerie intensity to her performance. The physical transformation she undergoes, combined with her chilling voice and ferocious actions, make her one of the most terrifying entities in the Evil Dead universe.
Lily Sullivan as Beth also delivers a strong performance as the reluctant hero. Her character is given plenty of depth, and her emotional stakes make her more than just a survivor. The chemistry between the two sisters adds an emotional core to the film, providing a stark contrast to the chaos and bloodshed surrounding them.
The Aesthetics:
Visually, Evil Dead Rise is a triumph. The practical effects are extraordinary, with impressive makeup and gore that feels both organic and grotesque. The special effects are used strategically, never overpowering the physical horror but enhancing it when necessary. There’s a rawness to the way the film embraces its grotesque violence, which feels like a return to the original Evil Dead films’ grittiness.
The film’s tone is amplified by its disturbing sound design. The noises of tearing flesh, screams, and bone-crunching effects are enough to make even the most hardened horror fans wince. Cronin’s use of sound makes every moment of terror feel amplified, and it’s impossible to escape the discomfort that the film creates.
The Themes:
While the Evil Dead series is mostly about pure, unadulterated horror, Evil Dead Rise doesn’t shy away from exploring some deeper themes. Family is at the core of this film, with the sisters’ bond becoming central to their struggle for survival. Beth’s journey from a passive character to someone actively fighting for her family mirrors the traditional horror hero’s arc, but it’s more grounded in emotional conflict.
The film also plays with the idea of possession as both a literal and metaphorical force. The demonic influence overtaking Ellie serves as a haunting allegory for the loss of self and the destruction of familial bonds.
Final Thoughts:
Evil Dead Rise is a thrilling and terrifying addition to the franchise that pays homage to its roots while bringing something new to the table. Lee Cronin delivers a relentlessly intense horror film that doesn’t let up from start to finish. With fantastic performances, particularly from Alyssa Sutherland, an effective high-rise setting, and brutal, practical effects, this is a must-watch for horror fans and Evil Dead enthusiasts alike.
It might not reinvent the wheel, but it solidifies Evil Dead’s place in the pantheon of horror legends. With a terrifying mix of gore, suspense, and emotional stakes, Evil Dead Rise is a bloody, exhilarating ride that will leave you haunted long after the credits roll.
Rating: 4.5/5
