Evil Dead Rise movie review (2023)
Introduction
In the realm of horror franchises, “Evil Dead” stands out for its consistent quality. With series creator Sam Raimi’s meticulous selection process and a premise that embraces simplicity, the franchise has managed to avoid any bad movies in its forty-plus-year history. The latest installment, “Evil Dead Rise,” directed by Lee Cronin, continues the tradition of diabolical imagination and creative carnage. While it deviates from the classic cabin in the woods setting, the film delivers a grueling and thrilling experience.
Shifting Locations
From Cabin to Apartment Building “Evil Dead Rise” moves away from the familiar cabin in the woods and takes place in a run-down apartment building in downtown Los Angeles. This shift injects a fresh perspective into the franchise and amplifies the horror by exploring the psychological and physical torture inflicted by a possessed single mother on her own children.
Relentless Carnage and Gore
The marketing for this movie centers around a scene involving a cheese grater, but the film is replete with creative and gruesome carnage. From eye trauma to decapitation, dismemberment, and shotgun blasts, it encompasses a vast array of grotesque bodily harm. The movie boasts thousands of gallons of blood, reminiscent of “The Shining’s” iconic elevator scene, and drenches two lead characters from head to toe in the intense final 20 minutes.
Complexity and Exposition
While the film’s deviations from the classic formula require additional exposition and setup, they risk challenging the elemental simplicity of previous “Evil Dead” entries. The first act struggles to introduce new elements, including Ellie’s rocker sister and an earthquake that uncovers a hole in the parking garage. Nevertheless, once the movie gains momentum, it becomes an unstoppable force.
Unleashing the Horror
A Packed-House Experience Once “Evil Dead Rise” finds its footing, it delivers a loud, giddy, and thrilling experience reminiscent of packed-house-at-midnight screenings. Jump scares and tension-building moments punctuate the relentless bloodbath, engaging the audience and generating genuine screams of fright. The roller coaster-like middle section, in particular, promises to incite interactive responses from viewers in theaters worldwide.
Flaws and Accomplishments
While “Evil Dead Rise” isn’t without its flaws, such as a pregnancy subplot that feels disconnected and an enigmatic cold open that requires an explanatory scene at the end, it still achieves significant accomplishments. Despite an unknown cast and a relatively unseasoned director, the film excels in physical performances, featuring intricate rigging devices and ghastly prosthetic makeups. Once it overcomes its own obstacles, “Evil Dead Rise” becomes an absolute blast for horror enthusiasts.
Conclusion
“Evil Dead Rise” continues the franchise’s legacy by delivering a blood-soaked blast of horror. Lee Cronin’s direction brings a gritty sensibility, while the film’s relentless carnage and gore captivate audiences. Although it stumbles in the first act with exposition, once it gains momentum, it becomes an intense and exhilarating cinematic experience. With its fresh location, unsettling performances, and gnarly practical effects, “Evil Dead Rise” solidifies itself as a worthy addition to the beloved franchise.
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