Editors note: This review was originally published March 16 after its premiere at SXSW. It opens in theaters Friday.
Prepare to be haunted by Deadites once again in Lee Cronin’s thrilling new film Evil Dead Rise. Set in the bustling city of Los Angeles, these mischievous demons continue to wreak havoc in high-rise buildings even in the modern era. Written by Cronin himself, a devoted fan of the Evil Dead franchise, the movie features an incredible cast including Alyssa Sutherland, Lilly Sullivan, Morgan Davies, Gabriele Echols, and Nell Fisher. This film takes a refreshing shift, showcasing the supernatural heroism of women. It proves that women can also be the saviors in the face of the supernatural.
Evil Dead Rise kicks off with a breathtaking shot along a creek. This is the classic approach of a Deadite, but wait, it’s just Caleb (Richard Crouchley) using a drone while hanging out with Teresa (Mirabai Pease) on a lake dock. Completing the trio is Jessica (Anna-Maree Thomas), who is unfortunately bedridden and unable to join in the fun. When Teresa checks on Jessica, she realizes her friend is not peacefully sleeping. As Jessica reads Wuthering Heights, she suddenly springs up, falls to the floor, convulses, and transforms into a terrifying Deadite demon. Her possession is somehow connected to the events that occurred in L.A. the day before. The film then cuts to an apartment where Ellie (Sutherland) and her children Danny (Davies), Bridget (Echols), and Kassie (Fisher) reside. Ellie’s younger sister Beth (Sullivan) arrives after completing a tour in Bangkok and needs a place to stay. However, she is also informed that their family has only one month left in the building before it’s demolished.
Ellie sends her kids on a pizza run, but as soon as they return, a powerful 5.5 earthquake strikes, destroying their apartment and creating a deep hole in the parking garage where her children are trapped. Curiosity gets the better of Danny, who ventures into the hole and discovers the Book of the Dead along with a few vinyl records. Unaware of the danger they hold, Ellie brings them home to investigate. Opening the book and playing the records unleashes an incantation that sets off a terrifying Deadite frenzy. However, instead of possessing the person who initiated it, Ellie becomes the unfortunate target. Beth, her nieces, and nephew must find a way to break the curse before they all succumb to the demonic forces.
The Deadites are known for their comedic and charismatic presence in the horror genre, causing their victims to behave strangely while mocking themselves and others. Cronin masterfully utilizes these attributes, infusing their actions and dialogue with a modern twist. The director-writer also delves deeper into the lore of this demonic force, shedding light on why a chainsaw remains the most coveted weapon in the Evil Dead universe. Cronin pays homage to the original movies with familiar camera tricks and angles, creating a unique experience that is entirely his own.
Thanks to stunt coordinator Stuart Throp, the cast of Evil Dead Rise delivers strong and agile performances as they contort their bodies to portray the demonic hold on their characters’ minds, bodies, and spirits. Physical acting has always been a hallmark of the franchise since its inception in 1981, and the entire cast fully embraces it, no matter how uncomfortable it may appear. Combined with impressive practical effects and stunning makeup, these elements contribute to the enduring popularity of the Evil Dead movies within the genre.
However, one aspect that continues to frustrate me about horror tropes is how they are often deployed. Why do characters stand around doing nothing? Why do they willingly explore strange locations and bring back unfamiliar artifacts? Why are they loud and make noise? These tropes can hinder the narrative progression and make the characters appear foolish. While it’s true that nonsensical actions are a trademark of Evil Dead movies, there must be smarter and more innovative ways to execute these ideas.
The 2013 Evil Dead film took a more serious tone compared to its predecessors. Perhaps it was an attempt by Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert to steer the franchise in a new direction, but it didn’t quite hit the mark. In contrast, Evil Dead Rise feels like a true return to form. It strikes the perfect balance between humor, absurdity, gore, and bleakness, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, just as fans of the franchise love.
Title: Evil Dead Rise
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Release date: April 21, 2023
Director-screenwriter: Lee Cronin
Cast: Lily Sullivan, Alyssa Sutherland, Morgan Davies, Gabrielle Echols, Nell Fisher
Rating: R
Running time: 1 hr 37 min
