Happy Goat Horror

The Evil Dead franchise has never been shy about delivering the goods when it comes to grotesque violence and the unrelenting terror of the undead. Evil Dead Rise continues that tradition, bringing the chaos to an urban setting as it trades the isolated cabin in the woods for a high-rise apartment building. It’s a bold move that works wonders, as it injects the familiar concept with a fresh sense of claustrophobia and desperation.

“Blood flows, and the dead rise.” – The Premise

In Evil Dead Rise, we meet two sisters—Beth and Ellie—who find themselves at odds when a demonic force begins to tear apart the apartment building they live in. Ellie, a single mother living in a cramped high-rise, becomes the victim of an ancient evil after an unexpected discovery in the building’s basement. As the horror spreads, Beth must fight to protect her nieces and confront the horrors of her own past. The film maintains the core elements of the franchise—a possession, a relentless demon, and a fight for survival—but it ups the stakes by placing the characters in an urban environment, giving the horror a sense of urban decay to match the sinister tone.

“Get ready for the bloodbath.” – The Execution

The strength of Evil Dead Rise lies in its unflinching commitment to horror. The special effects are as impressive as ever, offering grotesque imagery that’s more than just shocking for shock’s sake. From the first appearance of the demonic entity to the many gory sequences that unfold, it’s clear that the filmmakers have a deep understanding of the franchise’s roots. Practical effects are put to good use, and the over-the-top gore is something that can’t be overstated. The film’s visual style—dirty, grimy, and relentlessly chaotic—further adds to the sense of despair that permeates the story.

The performances are solid, especially from the lead actresses. The character of Ellie, played by Alyssa Sutherland, delivers an unnerving performance as the possessed mother. Her transformation from loving parent to grotesque monster is horrifying, with a presence that leaves a lasting impression. Lily Sullivan, as Beth, carries the emotional weight of the film, giving her character depth amidst the madness. The chemistry between the two sisters anchors the emotional stakes, making the horror feel more personal despite the mayhem around them.

“You’re going to regret this.” – The Horror Elements

The horror in Evil Dead Rise doesn’t shy away from the disturbing. It’s visceral and in-your-face, with a strong emphasis on body horror that will leave you wincing. The relentless pace and increasing sense of urgency as the building descends into chaos never let up. The film doesn’t try to be more than what it is—an all-out gore fest that aims to disturb as much as entertain. Yet, there’s a cleverness to how it balances the terror with moments of humor and dark levity. The chaotic mix of brutal violence and offbeat moments feels like the film’s love letter to the fans of the original Evil Dead movies, a reminder of why we loved this franchise in the first place.

While Evil Dead Rise doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it successfully honors the core principles of the series while pushing the boundaries of horror in a new, urban setting. The film’s strength lies in its consistency—it knows exactly what it wants to be and delivers on that promise with gruesome efficiency.

“Once the blood starts flowing, it doesn’t stop.” – Final Thoughts

Evil Dead Rise doesn’t disappoint. For fans of the franchise, it’s a brutal and horrifying return to form, while also offering newcomers a solid entry point into the series. The tension is unrelenting, the blood flows freely, and the terror feels as raw as it ever has. It might not offer much in terms of nuance, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a relentless experience that’s crafted for those who crave the thrill of an intense, gory ride.

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Strengths

• Fantastic practical effects and gore that live up to the Evil Dead legacy
• Alyssa Sutherland’s performance as the possessed mother is chilling
• Urban setting adds a fresh twist to the familiar formula

Weaknesses

• The story doesn’t offer much depth beyond its surface premise
• Some may find the relentless violence too much to handle

Score: 8.0 – A bloody, relentless, and fun ride for horror fans, Evil Dead Rise brings the terror to new heights with visceral horror and a healthy dose of twisted humor.