Evil Dead Rise has a lot going for it – it’s got plenty of gore, and horror, and is just evil – and will please horror and die-hard fans of the franchise.
A reunion between two estranged sisters gets cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable.
The pacing is well-balanced in this movie as it is not about the epic buildups or unique plots, it just gets right the antics that viewers expect from this series. It takes that momentum and never slows down, taking minimal pauses in between. The film just keeps being the horror spectacle that it is, not missing a beat, and keeps you focused on the horror bloodbath to come.
Viewers tend to be more open when tradition is at least acknowledged in a respectable way, and Evil Dead Rise definitely accomplishes that. The movie does a really great job at tweaking it with a unique paint that works and doesn’t stray too far.
We’ve seen the book in every film and the dark contents that are within, and each drawing is an evolution of the art style. This movie might be the most disturbing of the series, showing things that will be mirrored in reality and are truly disturbing. The art style is very much something, that would be drawn in the book, it’s archaic, tribunal, disturbing, and yet appropriate for the atmosphere of the film. What I found interesting is that it pretty much acts as a guide for the movie which was a nice touch seeing how the demon’s journey would soon transcend into reality.
This movie is all about making you feel the full effect of this genre and really getting that haunting and demonic nature, and it succeeds in accomplishing this. The voice of the demon and the way that it merges with many people works very well with both comedy and spooks. And just hearing the blood mechanic, the gushing, the mushing, and the liquid nature adds that element to it and maximizes the demonic nature, while the bodily harm and scratching only further add to it.
The acting works really well and the cast’s performances really bring this story to life. Their ability to scream and convey the horror move in a way that truly feels horrifying and inhumane. The CGI helps a little, but other times they really capture the possessed role quite well. Neil Fisher is by far the standout in this film. As the youngest of the group, Fisher is one part odd, one part emotional, and one part adorable. It’s a hard combination to pull off and she does it to great effect. Fisher is an example of a kid actor who won’t annoy audiences and does a great job adding to the story instead of taking away from it.
Alyssa Sutherland is a woman who has the most to do in this film. Sutherland is a mom who is cool and together but stressed, and shows care and compassion but not in an annoying Hallmark-level way. However, when the dark part of the movie begins and we see her as the vessel, she conveys terror to the highest degree. The way she smiles, the flash in her eyes, and the control of her body, combined with the voice effects and lines to send chills down your spine will make your skin crawl. I do love the character of Beth though, and Lilly Sullivan does a fantastic job at delivering a character that was really fun to root for. Sullivan had edge, but compassion with skills and smarts that were not overbearing.
Evil Dead Rise accomplishes so much with the visual effects. At some points, it did look a little fake, but they really did nice work to bring the chaos to life. Blood flowing and looking authentic, but then leaving behind matter that is certainly reminiscent of carnage. The eyes of the possessed are wickedly insane along with the fingernails that show death and decay. And even the way they move and scream adds that sinister tone to the film.
Overall, Evil Dead Rise gives you what you expect in these films. It’s all about the gore and does its best to bring you that in so many ways possible. No major thinkers, no complicated venues, and no big rules to engage in, it’s just simply what it is and that’s a relief knowing you get what drew you in, even though a few more surprises could have gone a long way.
Evil Dead Rise is now playing in theaters.
What did you think of the film? Let us know in the comments
