If you’re a fan of intense horror movies with lots of gore and tension, Evil Dead Rise is one film you should consider watching. Although it was released in 2023, this terrifying entry in the Evil Dead franchise still holds up as one of the most brutal and shocking horror films in recent years. Directed and written by Lee Cronin, Evil Dead Rise is the fifth film in the series and serves as the second standalone installment. This means that even if you haven’t seen the previous movies, you can still enjoy this one.
The film focuses on a terrifying and chaotic night when a cursed book unleashes deadly demonic forces. It mixes supernatural horror, family drama, and shocking violence to deliver a thrilling viewing experience. While not everyone may enjoy its extreme approach to horror, the film has earned praise for its visuals, performances, and tension. It’s definitely not a light watch, but it is a strong entry in a legendary horror franchise.
The story begins with two estranged sisters, Beth and Ellie, who are unexpectedly reunited. Beth, a touring guitar technician, visits her sister Ellie, a single mother living with her three children in a rundown apartment in Los Angeles. Their reunion takes a dark turn when the children discover a mysterious book hidden in the building’s basement. This ancient book, known to fans as the Necronomicon, unleashes an evil force that possesses people and turns them into horrifying creatures called “Deadites.”
As the demonic power spreads through the apartment, Beth must fight to protect Ellie’s children and herself from the terrifying force that begins to take over their family. What follows is a night filled with blood, chaos, and survival, as the characters struggle against an unstoppable supernatural evil. The action remains mostly within the confined setting of the apartment building, which adds to the movie’s claustrophobic and intense atmosphere.
The film features a small but talented cast. Lily Sullivan stars as Beth, the central character and eventual “final girl” who takes charge of the nightmare unfolding around her. Alyssa Sutherland plays Ellie, the mother who becomes possessed in one of the film’s most chilling performances. Her transformation into a Deadite is both horrifying and unforgettable.
Supporting characters include Morgan Davies as Danny, Gabrielle Echols as Bridget, and Nell Fisher as Kassie, who delivers a strong performance in her film debut. Noah Paul plays Bruce, and Richard Crouchley appears as Caleb. The cast does a great job of portraying fear, confusion, and desperation as their lives spiral out of control.
Evil Dead Rise has been praised by horror fans and critics alike for several reasons. One of the film’s biggest strengths is its ability to create nonstop tension and horror without feeling repetitive. From the very beginning, the movie sets a dark tone and never lets up. The tight, apartment-based setting adds to the feeling of isolation and dread, making the viewer feel trapped along with the characters.
The visual effects are another highlight. The film uses mostly practical effects, which means that the blood, gore, and makeup look very real and disturbing. Director Lee Cronin also brings a fresh but respectful touch to the Evil Dead style. He includes references to Sam Raimi’s original films, such as wild camera angles and sudden scares, but updates the style for a modern audience.
Alyssa Sutherland’s performance as Ellie has been especially praised. Her portrayal of a loving mother turned terrifying villain is both heartbreaking and frightening. She shifts between human and monster with ease, making her one of the most memorable villains in the franchise. Lily Sullivan also shines as Beth, a determined and courageous character who grows stronger as the story unfolds.
The soundtrack and sound design also play a big role in building fear. Strange whispers, loud crashes, and eerie music help create a mood that keeps you on edge throughout the film. Every scream and crunch feels real and adds to the horror experience.
Despite its many strengths, Evil Dead Rise is not for everyone. The movie is extremely violent and disturbing, even by horror standards. Nearly every character is either killed or possessed in horrifying ways, and the film does not hold back on showing graphic injuries, blood, and death. For some viewers, this level of violence may feel excessive or even unpleasant.
Another criticism is that the movie lacks the dark humor that made the original Evil Dead films stand out. The earlier films often mixed comedy with horror to provide some relief between scares. In contrast, Evil Dead Rise takes a much more serious and grim tone, which may disappoint fans expecting the fun, campy style of the past.
The storyline, while engaging, is also quite simple and doesn’t offer many surprises. Once the evil is unleashed, the film becomes a long sequence of escape attempts and battles with possessed family members. Some viewers may find the plot predictable or wish for more backstory on the cursed book and its origins.
In the end, Evil Dead Rise is a solid horror film that delivers everything you’d expect from a modern gore-filled thriller. It’s intense, scary, and well-made, with strong performances and terrifying visuals. However, its relentless violence and dark tone might not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer a mix of humor and horror.
