In Evil Dead Rise, we are introduced to Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland) and her three children: Kassie (Nell Fisher), Bridget (Gabrielle Echols), and Danny (Morgan Davies). They reside in a dilapidated high-rise building slated for demolition, necessitating an imminent move. One evening, Ellie’s sister, Beth (Lily Sullivan), makes an unscheduled visit. The initial tension between the sisters is soon overshadowed when an earthquake violently shakes the building. Subsequently, the children discover a mysterious book and a collection of aged LPs. Danny’s decision to play the records inadvertently unleashes an unspeakable evil, plunging everyone into dire peril. The ensuing night proves to be a harrowing ordeal.
Director and producer Sam Raimi (Spider-man trilogy, Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) launched his career with Evil Dead, a film he directed, wrote, and produced, which premiered in 1981. This low-budget production featured a cast and crew largely composed of Raimi’s friends and acquaintances. The film achieved cult status, and Raimi solidified his reputation as a horror director with the sequel, Evil Dead 2 – Dead by Dawn.
Evil Dead Rise occupies an ambiguous space within the franchise, as it lacks a direct narrative connection to the classic films and TV series starring Bruce Campbell, and it is also distinct from the 2013 Evil Dead reboot.
Director and screenwriter Lee Cronin effectively captures the atmosphere, humor, and horror characteristic of the original films. Consequently, this installment feels more aligned with the originals than the previous reboot, which omitted the quirky humor entirely.
The casting is exceptional, and the actors successfully establish a connection with the audience in a remarkably short time, before the descent into chaos. Evil Dead Rise features several scenes that induced genuine shivers, even in a seasoned reviewer, including a particularly disturbing sequence involving a wine glass.
Evil Dead Rise distinguishes itself by relocating the setting from the familiar forest cabin to an urban high-rise building. This change elevates the film, introducing a novel dynamic. Furthermore, the film explores the impact of demonic possession on family relationships, prompting the question: how does one react when a loved one is transformed into a malevolent entity?
The special effects are impressively executed, relying heavily on practical techniques with minimal CGI. This approach imbues the film with a classic retro-horror aesthetic, and the climactic bloodbath rivals the intensity of Brain Dead.
However, Evil Dead Rise is not without its shortcomings. The narrative contains logical inconsistencies, and certain character decisions defy reason. While such elements are common in horror films, it is hoped that filmmakers can explore fresh approaches rather than relying on tired clichés. Specifically, the manner in which the book is discovered and the characters’ delayed recognition of the impending danger felt contrived.
The image quality of the UHD edition, presented in 2160p with HDR, exhibits a notable improvement in black levels compared to the 1080p Blu-ray version. Given that Evil Dead Rise is exceptionally dark, the enhanced detail in shadowy scenes is crucial, and the UHD version delivers on this front. However, enabling subtitles resulted in noticeable blooming of the white text, negatively impacting the viewing experience and necessitating their deactivation – a phenomenon not previously encountered.
The Dolby Atmos sound design is exceptional. The immersive audio experience, with sounds seemingly emanating from above, is guaranteed to elicit a visceral reaction. The soundscape masterfully utilizes subtle nuances in certain sequences, contrasting with moments of utter chaos. The transitions between these extremes are seamless.
Regrettably, the Evil Dead Rise UHD edition lacks supplemental materials. The absence of behind-the-scenes content detailing the creation of the special effects is particularly disappointing. This issue extends beyond the Swedish release, as international editions also reportedly lack bonus features, indicating a broader trend.
In conclusion, Evil Dead Rise is highly recommended for both seasoned fans of the franchise and newcomers to the horror genre. The film is impressive on multiple fronts, and the welcome return of the series’ characteristic humor is a significant highlight. The lack of extra material on the UHD edition is a notable drawback.
SF Studios provided the review copy for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are conducted objectively, with the interests of our readers and consumers as our paramount concern.
