FilmSnobReviews

Title: Evil Dead Rise
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Lee Cronin
Starring: Alyssa Sutherland, Lily Sullivan, Gabrielle Echols
Runtime: 1 hr 36 mins

What It Is: When two teenagers stumble upon some old vinyl records they unleash a hell the likes of which they, or anyone else has ever seen. Now it’s up to their aunt Beth (Sullivan) to save them from their very own mother Ellie (Sutherland) who’s seemingly been possessed by this unknown, demonic entity. Whatever this entity is it won’t leave without first claiming victims in its wake Beth just has to hope that Ellie is the only one sacrificed.

What We Think: Much like the Fede Alvarez directed reboot from 2013 this understand the assignment, the legacy it has to live up to. Perhaps it understand it too much. You see for me there’s a glaring fan service moment near the films final act that doesn’t work well enough for me in the narrative to excuse it away. Outside of this there’s a terrifying and well paced horror film here. Director Lee Cronin GETS atmosphere look at his Sundance darling The Hole in the Ground. An atmospheric thrillfest. Here he uses violence and gore to make a point and damn what a point he makes. Alyssa Sutherland is ABSOLUTELY horrifying as Ellie. This is where Cronin shines he takes no prisoners with the characters and doesn’t give two craps about any of them. THAT is why this worked so well.

Our Grade: B+, Yeah this was a fantastic horror film and something that I didn’t wanna take my eyes off of DESPITE it being a completely disgusting and horrific experience. If you want a horror film that might be the best one of 2023 yet well here it is. Shocking, gory and a completely well made piece this is one for the horror aficionados. If that’s you…well here you go. The movie is great…don’t miss it!