Evil Dead Rise rose to new heights in the franchise. The 2013 reboot Evil Dead already proved a movie could be done without the famous deadite slayer Ash Williams. The only way to continue his story was in the TV series Ash vs. Evil Dead. Though gratuitously gory, all 3 seasons hearken back to the comedic horror of the franchise. After 10 years, a new movie was announced with Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell as producers. This time Campbell can only be heard as a voice cameo since he’s semi-retired. Aside from Ash vs. Evil Dead actor Mark Mitchinson, the cast consists entirely of lesser known Australian actors. Fede Álvarez doesn’t return to direct since Evil Dead Rise is more standalone.
Instead Lee Cronin pushes Evil Dead beyond the confines of a cabin. Except for the cold opening that does take place in a cabin. Evil Dead Rise builds tension right away with Jessica scalping her cousin and decapitating her boyfriend. I expected a gorefest like Evil Dead, but that doesn’t come till the end. Lilly Sullivan is the latest final girl Beth who works as a guitar technician and comes to terms with her pregnancy. Evil Dead Rise breaks the rules by taking place in a high rise apartment building and focusing on a family. Alyssa Sutherland is Beth’s sister and mother of three Ellie. Morgan Davies is the oldest Danny, Gabrielle Echols is the middle child Bridget, and Nell Fisher is the youngest Kassie.
They discover the Necronomicon that retains the reboot name Naturom Demonto. In fact, Ash’s voice can be heard on a record that they stupidly listen to. This time Ellie is the deadite victim who acts strange and turns violent. Sutherland’s red hair and expressive face make her right for the part. Concerned neighbors add to the body count, but no one in the family is safe. Gallons of blood pour out of an elevator just like in The Shining. The body horror really amps up when deadites merge to become the Marauder. Iconic lines are uttered, but the most crucial callback is Beth using a boomstick and chainsaw on her sister. Evil Dead Rise is a surprisingly groovy installment in the ever changing world of deadites.
Ellie screams
Preceded by: Evil Dead
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I love the original concept of The Necronomicon, as penned by H.P. Lovecraft! It felt overly simplified and basic in both the Campbell franchise and the slowly building new one, hence why I’m not a fan.
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I wouldn’t exactly call myself a fan, but the franchise is interesting, if a little gory for my taste. Evil Dead Rise worked for me because it didn’t rely on that exclusively.
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