Evil Dead is a Bloody Spectacle: A Movie Review

Director: Fede Alvarez.

Writers: Fede Alvarez, Diablo Cody, Sam Raimi and Rodo Sayagues.

Cast: Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci, Jessica Lucas and Elizabeth Blackmore.

Fede Alvarez's version of the Evil Dead takes place thirty-two years after the original. Sam Raimi is still here to produce this version, along with former showrunner Bruce Campbell. But, the 2013 version is much bloodier than the original. Evil Dead fans might be disappointed by the lack of campy humour from the first film, but Alvarez's interpretation is quite spine-chilling. Most horror fans will be satisfied by this new vision.

The story has changed somewhat from the original. Instead of a sex romp, five friends set off for an isolated cabin for a drug intervention; Mia (Jane Levy) is the addict. The others vow to stay at the location, until Mia gets clean. Mia encounters more challenges, however. A friend, Eric (Lou Taylor Pucci), opens a flesh-bound tome and he recites an ancient curse. A demonic spirit is released from the woods. And now, these five friends must do whatever it takes to find a way to counter the demon and its cruel intentions.

Hide the silverware.

And, this version of the Evil Dead feels like a new vision. This film is not a scene by scene remake of the original. Some die-hard fans might argue that the settings and basic plot structures are the same across both Evil Dead films, both past and present. Yet, the character motivations are different. The theme of the film, drug rehabilitation, is a little more serious, compared to the earlier work. Evil Dead fans will notice that certain conventions are repeated from the first film and the second film, Evil Dead II (1987). A chainsaw is used and amputations take place. However, Alvarez focuses more on the visual style of this latest film, compared to Raimi's earlier work. Alvarez is intent on creating a bloody spectacle. Also, Alvarez' version is more global. If the demon escapes, the world is endangered by a satanic plot. The production values have, understandably, also impoved over the years. The make-up effects are much more believable, here. These subtle changes make this film appear slightly grander, in scale.

Fede Alvarez's approach to horror is also splattered in gore. This title has been rated Restricted and rightfully so. There are several bloody examples of gore. One woman cuts here face apart with a piece of a mirror. Another character takes an electric bread knife to her arm, in a desperate bid to prevent possession. The results of his surgery eventually lead to a double-amputation, which is comical to watch (for those who like dark humour). As well, a nail-gun fight leaves two characters with multiple wounds. This late scene creates for an action packed climax, which is a sight to see. The finale goes all out with a blood rain shower and a flaming pyre. The colours on the screen are vibrant and bright. Alvarez's directing style and focus on the visuals create for a truly gruesome sight.

Evil Dead 2013 is an original work and it stands on its own. Although this title pays homage to the earlier films, Alvarez's treatment is more focused on creating a bloodier visual sphere, compared to the earlier 1981 and 1987 films. The director's intent is to make the viewership squirm. He achieved this goal, for one viewer. And, horror fans are encouraged to see this brutal material on the big screen, where it can deliver a greater and bloodier impact.

Overall: 8 out of 10 (interesting characters, a curious plot device, lots of gore: tree rapings, animal killing and several stabbings).

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