If you’re a fan of horror movies, you’re going to love Evil Dead Rise. Lee Cronin, the writer and director of this sequel to the classic Evil Dead franchise, does a fantastic job of making this movie as vicious as the 2013 prequel, while also owning its place in the series as a standalone horror bombshell. Seriously, if you’re looking for a movie that’ll scare the crap out of you while also making you laugh, look no further.
Cronin manages to make the signature Evil Dead staples his own, and Rise becomes a Three-Headed Beast of aggressive scariness, sickly hilarity, and stone-cold killing. With gnarly practical effects that challenge the entire series’ nastiest mutilation scenes, this movie is not for the faint of heart.
You’ll see swallowed glass protruding from bodies, elevators gushing waves of blood, and so much more. And somehow, Rise keeps up with the reported 70,000 gallons of blood used in the 2013 Evil Dead.
But it’s not just the gore that makes this movie stand out. Cronin strikes a comfortable middle ground between the rip-your-heart-out horror of the 2013 Evil Dead and the more humorous Trilogy of sequels from Sam Raimi. He uses dark humor to contrast the darkest plunges and makes his own toothier Necronomicon to unleash the same merciless Dead Eye obscenities. It’s a genuinely unsettling setup that doesn’t let up until the end.
The story revolves around a single mother named Ellie, played brilliantly by Alyssa Sutherland. After her transformation into a hellish screeching vessel of evil, she manipulates her motherly playtime voice to mock whatever flickers of her soul still exist. And the result is both funny and freaky. Sutherland’s performance is a standout, and her character becomes the movie’s deadtime villain.
The family that endures the most physical, psychological, and surreal attacks includes Lily Sutherland as the strong hero Beth, Morgan Davies as DJ in training Danny, Gabriel Echols as the free-spirited protester Bridget, and Nell Fisher as the teeny tiny Cassie. Together, they brave every moment of pure fear and familial loss and bring everything they have to the table.
Cronin is clever and precise about the way he honors imagery from the prior films without outright replication. He dominates the challenge of problem-solving how the Necronomicon’s demonic curse would wreak havoc in a more populated location. Instead of isolated woodland settings, Cronin sets Rise in a cluttered Los Angeles apartment complex, turning damaged buildings into a death trap of crumbled stairwells, broken elevators, and exposed wires that look like tree vines. It’s a nod to recognizable possession from Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, and Evil Dead 2013.
There are some minor storytelling choices that feel a little undeserved, like introducing Beth as an expecting mother or using religious symbolism to tee up the new Necronomicon. But they’re easy to overlook because the rest of the movie is so damn good.
In conclusion, Evil Dead Rise is a bloody, brutal, and beautiful dream come true for fans of the horror genre. Cronin’s ability to make signature Evil Dead staples his own makes this movie a standalone horror bombshell. It’s aggressively scary, sickly hilarious, and a stone-cold killer. So if you’re looking for a movie that will make you jump out of your seat, cover your eyes, and laugh all at the same time, this is the movie for you.
Evil Dead Rise Trailer FAQ
Will Evil Dead Rise have Ash in it?
No, Ash Williams will not be a part of the story in Evil Dead Rise, although Bruce Campbell is an executive producer and does make an appearance.
What is the release date for Evil Dead Rise?
The release date for Evil Dead Rise 21 April 2023.
Where can I watch Evil Dead Rise 2023?
Evil Dead Rise is currently available to stream on Peacock, Vudu, and Amazon Prime Video, among other popular streaming platforms.
Where can I watch Evil Dead in India?
Evil Dead is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video in India.
What country was Evil Dead banned in?
The original Evil Dead, released in 1981, was banned in several countries including Finland, Ukraine, and Singapore due to its graphic violence, blood, sex, and gore.
When was the world premiere of Evil Dead Rise held?
The world premiere of Evil Dead Rise was held on March 15, 2023, at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival.
Will Ash Williams be part of the story in Evil Dead Rise?
No, Ash Williams, the main character from the original movies, will not be part of the story. However, Bruce Campbell, the actor who played Ash, is an executive producer of the movie and makes an appearance in some form.
