Evil Dead Rise is a highly anticipated horror film directed by Lee Cronin, and it certainly delivers on its promise of gore and terror. As a continuation of the Evil Dead franchise, the movie is not just a rehash of previous storylines, but instead takes a fresh perspective with new characters, new settings, and new twists.
The film follows two estranged sisters, Heather (Alyssa Sutherland) and Mia (Lily Sullivan), who reunite to spend time together while they embark on a road trip to New York. However, their plans are soon thwarted when they find themselves trapped in a high-rise building, where an evil force possesses the residents and turns them into bloodthirsty zombies.
Viewers are taken on a claustrophobic journey that unfortunately offers little to entertain or engage them. The film centers around a creepy book of the dead, which, when read, summons demons that possess the closest body and turn that person into a murderous monster. While this may sound like a promising premise, the execution falls flat.
The film’s lack of substance and character development leaves viewers with little to connect to or root for. The gore and violence, while present, feels gratuitous and fails to elicit any real fear or suspense. It is clear that the filmmakers are attempting to capitalize on the success of the original “Evil Dead,” but instead, they have delivered a forgettable and uninspired entry into the franchise.
The characters in Evil Dead Rise aren’t well-portrayed, with the actors delivering irritating performances that draw the audience into their unreal struggle for survival. Sutherland and Sullivan have odd chemistry on screen, and their sisterly bond lacks an emotional depth needed for the story. The supporting cast also stands out, with underwhelming performances by actresses like Jessica Lucas and Gabrielle Echols.
The director’s vision isn’t evident throughout the film, as he weirdly balances horror and humor, creating an atmosphere that is both alarming and repetitious. The movie’s visual effects are quite appealing, with practical effects that give the gore and violence a visceral and realistic quality.
Speaking of gore and violence, Evil Dead Rise is not for the faint of heart. The film is incredibly gruesome, with scenes of mutilation and dismemberment that are sure to make even the most hardened horror fans squirm. The violence is used effectively, however, to build tension and increase the stakes for the characters.
The expanded setup of “Evil Dead Rise” does present some drawbacks, as more time and exposition are needed to set up the film’s deviations from the time tested formula. This threatens to throw off the elemental simplicity that made the original “Evil Dead” films so effective. The first act of the film is particularly impacted by this, as it must introduce the new characters, including Ellie’s rocker sister Beth (Lily Sullivan). Also, it must incorporate an earthquake that reveals an old safe deposit box in the parking garage, which contains the mysterious records that unleash the demonic chaos that follows. The fact that the building used to be a bank is just one of several complicating details that the film has to establish before it can delve into the action.
Cinematographer John Guleserian effectively utilizes lighting to create an eerie and foreboding atmosphere throughout the film. From the dimly lit hallways of the high-rise to the cramped and claustrophobic spaces where the characters are forced to confront their demons, the cinematography adds an extra layer of tension to the film.
Composed by Roque Baños, the score adds greatly to the film’s tension and helps to set the tone for each scene. The score is both haunting and melodic, and it captures perfectly the essence of the Evil Dead franchise. The use of strings and percussion adds to the intensity of the action scenes, while the use of eerie choral voices heightens the sense of dread throughout the film. From the gory and gruesome scenes to the terrifying creature designs, the practical effects work seamlessly with the film’s cinematography to create a world that should feel real and terrifying, but sadly doesn’t.
