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Evil Dead Rise (2023) is the fifth installment in the Evil Dead franchise, directed by Lee Cronin. Unlike previous films, which predominantly took place in secluded cabins, Evil Dead Rise brings the terror to an urban setting, offering a fresh and terrifying spin on the long-running horror series while still delivering the blood-soaked mayhem that fans expect.

Plot Summary

The film follows two estranged sisters, Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland) and Beth (Lily Sullivan), who reunite in Los Angeles. Ellie is a single mother of three children, living in a dilapidated apartment building. Their reunion takes a horrifying turn when one of Ellie’s children discovers an ancient Necronomicon (the Book of the Dead) hidden in the building’s basement. Unwittingly, they unleash demonic forces that begin to possess the family, turning their once-safe home into a terrifying battleground. Beth must confront the nightmarish evil to save her family as the deadites unleash brutal chaos.

Visuals and Direction

Director Lee Cronin keeps the film’s tension high from the beginning, skillfully using the confined apartment setting to create a claustrophobic atmosphere. The cinematography is both eerie and unsettling, with clever camera angles and practical effects that evoke the grisly spirit of the original Evil Dead films. The special effects are especially impressive, with some truly gory and inventive kills that horror fans will appreciate. The movie leans into body horror with disturbing visuals, making full use of the franchise’s reputation for shocking and grotesque scenes.

Performances

Alyssa Sutherland’s performance as Ellie, particularly after becoming possessed, is chilling and menacing, turning her into a terrifying antagonist. Her portrayal of a deadite (possessed individual) is filled with grotesque physicality, dark humor, and a relentless, evil energy that echoes the franchise’s roots. Lily Sullivan shines as Beth, the reluctant heroine forced into a battle for survival. She brings a believable vulnerability and strength to the role, providing an emotional anchor in the midst of the film’s horror.

Themes

Evil Dead Rise explores themes of family, motherhood, and survival in the face of unspeakable horror. It shifts the traditional Evil Dead dynamic by focusing on a familial bond, particularly between the sisters and Ellie’s children, as the possession tears them apart in the most literal and grotesque ways. The film also touches on themes of responsibility and sacrifice, as Beth is forced to step up and protect her nieces and nephew in the wake of unimaginable danger.

Overall Impression

Evil Dead Rise successfully revitalizes the franchise by balancing its gruesome horror with strong character dynamics and emotional stakes. The change in setting from the usual cabin in the woods to a high-rise apartment adds a new layer of terror, making the film feel both fresh and connected to the original series. While it doesn’t shy away from the over-the-top gore and shock value that fans expect, it also offers a more grounded emotional core, making the horror all the more impactful.