🎬 Evil Dead Rise (2023)

thaiduong
January 21, 2025

🎬 Evil Dead Rise (2023) – “Family is forever… but so is evil.”
| Rating: IMDb: 6.6/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
| Release Date: April 21, 2023
| Directed by: Lee Cronin
| Main Cast: Alyssa Sutherland, Lily Sullivan, Morgan Davies, Gabrielle Echols, Nell Fisher

Plot Summary

Evil Dead Rise revitalizes the iconic horror franchise, shifting the carnage from a remote cabin to the claustrophobic setting of a crumbling apartment complex in the heart of a city. The story centers around two estranged sisters, Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland) and Beth (Lily Sullivan), whose reunion is interrupted when Ellie’s children uncover a mysterious artifact—the Necronomicon.

What begins as a seemingly innocuous discovery soon spirals into a blood-soaked nightmare as the book unleashes demonic forces, turning Ellie into a grotesque and sadistic Deadite. Trapped in the apartment with no way to escape, Beth must fight to protect her nieces and nephew from their possessed mother while grappling with her own insecurities about becoming a parent.

The film escalates in intensity as the Deadite’s influence spreads, twisting reality and pushing the survivors to their physical and emotional limits. The climactic showdown is a visceral, gore-filled battle that highlights the franchise’s trademark blend of dark humor and over-the-top violence. Ultimately, Evil Dead Rise leaves viewers with a chilling reminder: the evil awakened by the Necronomicon never truly dies.

Key Highlights

1. A Fresh Setting

Moving the action to an urban apartment complex adds a new layer of tension and claustrophobia. The narrow hallways, locked doors, and eerie communal spaces make the characters’ isolation palpable.

2. Alyssa Sutherland as Ellie

Sutherland delivers a terrifying performance, transforming from a loving mother into a sadistic Deadite with unsettling physicality and chilling line delivery. Her portrayal is both horrifying and unforgettable.

3. Beth’s Heroic Arc

Lily Sullivan shines as Beth, a flawed but determined protagonist. Her journey from self-doubt to fierce protector is compelling and emotionally resonant, grounding the chaos in relatable human struggles.

4. Relentless Gore and Practical Effects

Evil Dead Rise lives up to the franchise’s legacy of grotesque visuals, with rivers of blood, dismemberments, and inventive kills. The practical effects and makeup work are top-notch, adding a visceral realism to the carnage.

5. Homages to the Franchise

Fans of the series will appreciate the nods to earlier films, including the chainsaw, the demonic POV camera, and the iconic phrase, “Dead by dawn!” These elements are woven seamlessly into the new narrative.

Cinematography and Visual Style

Lee Cronin’s direction creates a tense and oppressive atmosphere, with dim lighting and creative camera angles emphasizing the apartment’s claustrophobic spaces. The film’s use of reflections, shadows, and distorted perspectives adds to the sense of unease, while the vivid reds of the blood-soaked scenes contrast sharply with the muted tones of the setting.

Musical Score and Sound Design

The score by Stephen McKeon incorporates eerie, dissonant tones and heart-pounding crescendos that heighten the tension. The sound design amplifies the terror, with guttural Deadite voices, bone-crunching sound effects, and the haunting creak of the Necronomicon’s pages.

Strengths of the Film

Fresh Yet Familiar: The urban setting breathes new life into the franchise while retaining its signature elements.
Strong Performances: Sutherland and Sullivan deliver standout performances that elevate the film’s emotional stakes.
Intense Gore: The film’s commitment to practical effects and unrelenting violence satisfies long-time fans of the series.
Claustrophobic Tension: The apartment complex setting enhances the horror, making escape feel impossible.

Critiques

Predictable Plot: While the film introduces a fresh setting, some plot beats feel formulaic to franchise veterans.
Limited Character Development: Secondary characters could have been fleshed out more to heighten the emotional impact of their fates.

Anticipated Reception

Evil Dead Rise has been praised for its inventive use of setting and its commitment to the franchise’s gruesome roots. While it may not surpass the original films in cultural impact, it stands as a worthy addition to the series, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers.