Evil Dead Rise: A Claustrophobic Gore-Fueled Nightmare

The opening shot of Evil Dead Rise—a single mother’s apartment shaking violently as a hidden chamber beneath it is unearthed—sets the tone for Lee Cronin’s relentless horror spectacle. This isn’t a film that lingers on atmosphere; it’s a visceral, unflinching assault on the senses from its first frame.

Cronin, stepping into the Evil Dead franchise after Sam Raimi’s 2013 reboot, delivers a standalone sequel that doubles down on the series’ signature gore while eschewing its trademark humor. The film follows Beth (Lily Sullivan), a guitar technician who discovers she’s pregnant and turns to her estranged sister Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland) for support, only to find herself trapped in an apartment building with flesh-possessing demons known as Deadites. What could have been a straightforward haunted house story is elevated by Cronin’s tight, claustrophobic direction. The decision to confine the action to a single apartment building is a smart one, amplifying the tension and making every jump scare hit harder.

The film’s standout sequence—a prolonged, brutal fight between Beth and her possessed sister Ellie—is a masterclass in practical effects and stunt coordination. Cronin’s camera lingers on the gory details, from severed limbs to grotesque transformations, without ever feeling gratuitous. This is horror that respects its audience’s intelligence, trusting us to appreciate the craftsmanship behind the carnage.

However, Evil Dead Rise isn’t without its flaws. The film’s pacing is relentless, but not always in a good way. There are moments where the sheer volume of gore and jump scares begins to feel overwhelming, diluting the impact of individual set pieces. Additionally, the film’s attempt to inject emotional weight through the sisterly dynamic between Beth and Ellie sometimes feels rushed. Sullivan and Sutherland deliver committed performances, but the script doesn’t give them enough room to breathe, leaving their characters feeling underdeveloped.

The supporting cast, particularly Morgan Davies as Danny and Gabrielle Echols as Bridget, adds depth to the ensemble, but their arcs are ultimately overshadowed by the film’s focus on Beth and Ellie. Nell Fisher, in her film debut as Kassie, delivers a standout performance that hints at a promising career ahead.

At its core, Evil Dead Rise is a film that understands the power of simplicity. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; instead, it leans into what it does best—delivering a loud, giddy, packed-house-at-midnight type of horror experience. The film’s inventive gore and intense scares make up for its so-so story, which downplays the franchise’s signature humor in favor of unrelenting terror.

Cronin’s direction is notably more grounded than Raimi’s campy, comedic approach. While Raimi’s films often balanced horror with humor, Evil Dead Rise opts for a more serious tone, focusing on the primal struggle for survival. This shift in tone sets it apart from previous entries but also makes it a more challenging watch for those expecting the series’ usual levity.

The film’s themes of family and motherhood are explored through the lens of horror, adding an extra layer of tension to the proceedings. Beth’s pregnancy and Ellie’s struggle as a single mother raise stakes that go beyond mere survival, grounding the supernatural elements in real-world anxieties.

Evil Dead Rise is not for the faint-hearted. It is a film that demands its audience’s full attention, rewarding those who can stomach its unrelenting brutality with moments of genuine terror and visceral satisfaction. While it may not reach the heights of Raimi’s best work, it stands on its own as a worthy addition to the franchise.

In the end, Evil Dead Rise is a solid entry in the Evil Dead series that delivers on its promises of visceral horror. It may not be the most original or emotionally resonant film in the franchise, but it more than makes up for it with its relentless pacing and inventive gore.