Evil Dead Rise, directed by Lee Cronin, serves as a fresh take on the cult-classic “Evil Dead” series, originally created by Sam Raimi. With a mixture of nostalgia, gore, and new faces, “Evil Dead Rise” brings a gripping horror experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
However, despite its solid storytelling and cinematic elements, the film may not satisfy some die-hard fans of the original series due to its deviations from its roots.
Story and Screenplay:
The story of “Evil Dead Rise” is both gripping and chilling, with a modern twist that adds new life to the familiar tale.
Set in a high-rise building, the film introduces a new group of characters who must face the evil Deadites that have been accidentally unleashed. The screenplay, penned by director Lee Cronin and Rodo Sayagues, provides a solid foundation for the story, with ample character development and an engaging pace.
However, some critics argue that the film’s focus on a predominantly new cast may not be enough to win over fans of the original series. While the story certainly has its moments, the departure from the franchise’s roots may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied.
Fear Factor
“Evil Dead Rise” delivers a potent dose of fear and terror, making it a truly gripping horror film. The fear factor in the movie can be attributed to several key elements:
- Atmosphere: The film’s setting within a high-rise building creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that adds to the overall sense of dread. The confined spaces and limited escape routes heighten the tension and make the characters’ struggle against the Deadites feel even more desperate and hopeless.
- Deadites: The Deadites themselves are a significant source of fear in the movie. Their gruesome appearance, combined with their relentless pursuit of the characters, creates a sense of terror that pervades the film. The practical effects and makeup used to create these horrifying creatures are highly realistic, which adds to their ability to instill fear in both the characters and the audience.
- Suspense: “Evil Dead Rise” is skillfully directed by Lee Cronin, who effectively builds suspense through the pacing of the film. The movie often places the characters in perilous situations, with the audience unsure of who will survive and who will fall victim to the Deadites. This uncertainty keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and contributes to the film’s overall fear factor.
- Gore and Violence: The film does not shy away from depicting gore and violence, with several brutal and bloody action sequences that are sure to shock and unsettle viewers. The explicit nature of these scenes adds to the overall horror experience, creating a visceral and intense atmosphere.
- Sound Design and Score: The sound design in “Evil Dead Rise” plays a crucial role in amplifying the fear factor. The eerie sound effects and unsettling musical score by Roque Baños work together to create a chilling atmosphere that enhances the horror elements of the film. The use of sound helps to build tension and suspense, making the audience feel more apprehensive and scared as the story unfolds.
Direction and Editing:
Lee Cronin’s direction in Evil Dead Rise is generally well-executed, with the film’s pacing maintaining a strong sense of tension throughout. His ability to blend horror and action is commendable, as he masterfully navigates the fine line between gore and suspense. Additionally, the editing by Colin Campbell is crisp and sharp, ensuring that each scene flows smoothly into the next.
Nevertheless, some critics argue that the film’s tonal shift from the original series may not have been entirely successful. The lack of humor and iconic one-liners from the earlier movies may leave some fans disappointed, though others appreciate the film’s more serious approach to horror.
Music:
The musical score by Roque Baños is another standout aspect of “Evil Dead Rise.” The haunting melodies and eerie sound effects help to create a chilling atmosphere that accentuates the film’s horror elements. Baños effectively builds tension and suspense through his score, heightening the anticipation for each gruesome scene.
Cinematography:
Cinematographer Aaron Morton‘s work on “Evil Dead Rise” is one of the film’s strongest elements. The creative use of camera angles and lighting adds a sense of claustrophobia and impending doom to the high-rise setting.
The dark and grimy visuals successfully convey the sense of dread that pervades the story, making for a truly immersive horror experience.
Performances:
The performances in “Evil Dead Rise” are generally strong, with the ensemble cast providing a believable and engaging portrayal of their characters.
Alyssa Sutherland delivers a powerful performance as the film’s lead, showcasing her character’s determination and resourcefulness in the face of evil.
Lily Sullivan also shines in her role, providing a sense of vulnerability that adds depth to her character.
However, some critics have noted that the new cast may lack the charisma and charm of the original series’ protagonists, particularly Bruce Campbell’s Ash Williams. This may be a point of contention for some viewers, who may feel that the new characters fail to live up to their iconic predecessors.
Action and Choreography:
“Evil Dead Rise” features an array of intense and gruesome action sequences that are sure to satisfy fans of the genre. The choreography is well-executed, with each battle against the Deadites feeling visceral and impactful. The practical effects and makeup used to create the horrifying creatures are highly impressive, adding to the film’s overall sense of terror.
Costume Design and Art Direction:
The costume design by Emily Seresin and art direction by Nigel Evans work together to create a visually stunning and immersive world for “Evil Dead Rise”. The film’s setting within a high-rise building adds a sense of claustrophobia and isolation, while the costumes effectively reflect the characters’ personalities and backgrounds.
The attention to detail in the design of the Deadites is particularly noteworthy, as the makeup and prosthetics used to bring these terrifying creatures to life are both realistic and horrifying.
The film’s overall aesthetic is dark and gritty, which contributes to its chilling atmosphere.
Conclusion:
“Evil Dead Rise” is a solid entry in the “Evil Dead” franchise that brings a fresh perspective to the series with its modern setting and new characters. The film’s direction, cinematography, and musical score are standout elements that contribute to an engaging and suspenseful horror experience.
“Evil Dead Rise” succeeds in delivering a high level of fear and terror through its atmospheric setting, horrifying creatures, suspenseful storytelling, explicit gore, and chilling sound design. These elements combine to create an immersive horror experience that will undoubtedly leave viewers feeling both thrilled and terrified.
However, the film’s departure from some of the original series’ key components, such as its humor and iconic protagonist, may not sit well with all fans. While “Evil Dead Rise” is certainly a thrilling and visually impressive horror film, it may not fully capture the essence of what made the original “Evil Dead” series so beloved.
Summary of Reviews and Star Ratings:
- RogerEbert.com: 3/5
- Rotten Tomatoes: 3.5/5
- Polygon: 3.5/5
- JoBlo.com: 3/5
- The Guardian: 4/5
- Los Angeles Times: 3.5/5
Average Star Rating: 3.5/5
Evil Dead Rise is a competent and entertaining horror film that offers a fresh take on the classic Evil Dead series. While it may not fully satisfy die-hard fans of the original movies, the film’s solid storytelling, impressive visuals, and strong performances make it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a thrilling and chilling experience. With an average star rating of 3.5/5, “Evil Dead Rise” is a commendable addition to the horror genre that is sure to leave an impact on its viewers.
