WRITTEN and directed by Irish filmmaker Lee Cronin, Evil Dead Rise is the fifth instalment in the iconic horror franchise.
And despite the fact that Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell’s only involvement is as executive producers, it still proves a more than worthy addition to the cult favourite’s fiendish cannon of contorted delights.
The film stars Lily Sullivan (I Met a Girl), Alyssa Sutherland (Vikings), Morgan Davies (Storm Boy), Gabrielle Echols (Reminiscence), and Nell Fisher (Northspur), in one of the most gratifyingly grotesque cinematic experiences of the year.
This is a twisted and blood-filled tale of two estranged sisters, Beth (Sullivan) and Ellie (Sutherland), in which the action moves from a cabin in the woods to a poorly-lit and rundown city apartment block for a family reunion from hell.
The first sequel in a decade, Evil Dead Rise is definitely not one for the faint of heart or those with a squeamish disposition. But for fans of the series, well, you ‘deadite’-loving freaks, are in for one demented rollercoaster ride that should more than sate your devilish aberrations.
What Cronin’s film lacks in wacky humour and a melee of gonzo terror-stricken nightmare scenarios, he makes up for with an intensely heart-racing gore-fest, which leaves the big screen awash in gallons and gallons of blood for its 97-minute running-time.
The director tips his hat along the way to the original Evil Dead films, the master of the dark arts Stephen King and Spanish zombie franchise Rec. But this visceral and fast-paced horror extravaganza, which will leave you reeling in breathlessness, looks like it was shot through the chum bucket from Jaws.
Evil Dead Rise is a complete bloodbath — a nightmarish family reunion where flesh-possessing demons gatecrash the get-together and hurls everyone in their path into a primal battle for survival.
There will be blood, bucketloads of it, so buckle up and ready yourself for the not to be missed horror spectacle of the year.
(4/5)
