I remember when this movie was announced at the Days of the Dead horror convention in 2013. I sat in the audience watching the trailer with my eyes wide and my jaw dropped. I saw no trace of Bruce Campbell or Ash. Instead, we were given Jane Levy in the role of Mia, a recovering drug addict taking refuge from the outside world and temptations with a group of friends in a secluded cabin in the woods. We all know the story of Evil Dead, so I won’t insult your intelligence by summarizing the story here.
What I will say, is that this movie grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. Its brutality is unmatched in mainstream American cinema, and in my opinion, in recent years the only film that rivals the intensity of Evil Dead is Pascal Laugier’s 2008 French masterpiece, Martyrs. Implying that Evil Dead (2013) surpasses Sam Raimi’s original classic is not an avenue I am willing to go down, but the fact that director Fede Alvarez was handpicked by Raimi certainly propels that notion in the right direction. Not to mention, having Bruce Campbell on the production side doesn’t hurt.
Evil Dead is utterly gruesome. Gore is abundant, as it will satisfy the most hardcore horror fanatics as well as terrify the casual audience member. Jane Levy is memorable in her role as Mia, and the character is a welcomed addition to the franchise. Personally, I hope the series continues in this exact fashion. It strips the story of its comic relief and what is left is purely visceral. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous, in stark contrast to the sadistic nature of the film and the scenes itself, and the combination as a whole makes Evil Dead stand triumphant amongst its competitors.
Evil Dead is utterly gruesome. Gore is abundant, as it will satisfy the most hardcore horror fanatics as well as terrify the casual audience member. Jane Levy is memorable in her role as Mia, and the character is a welcomed addition to the franchise. Personally, I hope the series continues in this exact fashion. It strips the story of its comic relief and what is left is purely visceral. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous, in stark contrast to the sadistic nature of the film and the scenes itself, and the combination as a whole makes Evil Dead stand triumphant amongst its competitors.
L.A. Gore has been writing professionally for many years, with his articles appearing in numerous publications including Bibliotheca Alexandria, Waters of Life, Pangaia, Witches and Pagans, Playgrounds and The Circle. He has spent most of his life studying ancient and modern religion, and most of his work thus far represents his findings. He is a self-proclaimed horror movie fanatic, with over four hundred in his personal collection. A few of his personal favorites are Hellraiser, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Phantasm, Suspiria, Return of the Living Dead and Dead Alive. |