Evil Dead Rises

3.5 out of 5 stars

The Evil Dead’ is well known amongst horror film aficionados as a cult classic that has spawned two sequels and led to spin-offs in merchandising, such as video games and a TV series in later years. Despite its low-budget beginnings, the franchise has enabled writer/director Sam Raimi to move onto bigger and brighter things, such as the original Spider-Man trilogy. For actor Bruce Campbell, the Evil Dead franchise has allowed him to develop his following of faithful fans due to the iconic character of Ash Williams that he portrayed on screen. In 2013, audiences saw a remake of sorts of the original film, which had moderate success despite having the benefit of a bigger budget and that era’s state-of-the-art visual effects, but offered nothing new in terms of the story. Ten years later, writer/director Lee Cronin has crafted a new film based on ‘this franchise. It could be viewed almost as a stand-alone film as there are no returning characters from the earlier movies.

This latest film begins in a woodland setting. Still, things escalate quickly, and the horror begins with plenty of blood and violence leading up to the opening title screen. The viewer then jumps back to one day earlier and meets a family in Los Angeles living in a run-down apartment due for demolition. Ellie (played by Aussie actress Alyssa Sutherland of ‘Vikings’ fame) and her children, Danny, Bridget, and Kassie, are busy packing when they are visited by their mother's sister, Aunt Beth. During her time with the family, an earthquake shakes the apartment block. This event leads Danny to discovery of an old bank vault underneath the basement carpark in their complex. Within the safe, he comes across a strange book buried in a stone tomb, a couple of old vinyl LPs, and many religious artifacts.

Most fans of horror movies usually find themselves asking why when movie characters do the unthinkable in these films. Still, if they did not, there would not be much of a movie to see. Danny manages to open the book, which happens to be The Book of the Dead, and he happens to play the vinyl record that contains the incantations which unleash a demon upon the human world. This will lead viewers to knuckle down for a terror ride as the family and the other building residents are caught up in the mayhem. The demon goes on to possess each of its victims, leading to plenty of scenes of blood (6,500 litres of fake blood, according to the director) and gore. Still, as the film concludes, there are some very iconic nods to the original franchise and the character of Ash Williams, which will make many original fans appreciate their inclusion. The movie concludes with a tie-in to the character from the opening scene, which suggests more from this franchise to come.

The quality of the effects and acting is a pleasant surprise about the New Zealand-based production that included many recognisable local talents. It offers a new backdrop to the Evil Dead landscape since it takes place in an urban setting instead of in the wilderness like its predecessors. Credit should go to the production team for high production standards that got this a cinematic run since the original plan was to release it to a streaming service first. The sound and atmosphere allow for an immersive feel in a large cinema that cannot be matched by watching this movie on a small screen.

As a horror film, Evil Dead Rise does not disappoint. Whether or not people have seen the original, fans will still enjoy this supernatural horror movie. This film comes with an extreme rating that is deserved, and it is not for those who get squeamish at the sight of blood or victims tormented by demons.

REEL DIALOGUE: We have nothing to fear

Supernatural horror films are funny: some people watch them for the enjoyment of being scared with a view that it is fiction and not something that could happen in real life. But as a Christian who believes that Jesus is a real person in history who is God’s son and can perform miracles, I know that the supernatural realm is not to be taken too lightly – if angels exist, then why not demons?

Some may ask if I need to be fearful when I watch a supernatural horror film? Not if I believe that Jesus’ power and authority are such that he rules over Death and all within its dominion, such as demons and evil spirits. Jesus performed his greatest miracle in returning to life after dying on the cross,something celebrated recently at Easter and the Bible tells us he is seated in Heaven now, waiting to return. I can take assurance then when I watch a film such as ‘Evil Dead Rise’ that there is nothing to fear, knowing that Jesus reigns supreme. If you want to find out more, then read one of the Gospel accounts that tells us about Jesus’ time here on Earth and what he came to do.

“Where O Death is your victory? Where O Death is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 15:55-58