The Evil Dead franchise has been a cornerstone of the horror genre since its inception in 1981, blending relentless terror with dark humor in a way that few films have matched. After a decade of dormancy, the franchise returned with Evil Dead Rise—a film that promised to breathe new life into the series while staying true to its gruesome roots. Directed by Lee Cronin and produced by franchise creator Sam Raimi, Evil Dead Rise offers a fresh yet familiar take on the horrific world of the Necronomicon and the Deadites. This blog explores the film’s characters and cast, production details, plot summary, and the eerie connections it shares with real-life events.
Evil Dead Rise - Official Trailer
Characters and Cast
The success of a horror film often hinges on its characters and the performances that bring them to life. Evil Dead Rise introduces us to a new set of characters, each uniquely positioned to face the terror unleashed by the infamous Necronomicon.
Alyssa Sutherland as Ellie: The film’s central figure, Ellie, is a single mother living in a cramped Los Angeles apartment with her three children. Sutherland’s portrayal of Ellie is gripping; she exudes strength and vulnerability, making her descent into madness all the more harrowing when she becomes possessed by a Deadite.
Lily Sullivan as Beth: Beth, Ellie’s estranged sister, is a road-weary guitar technician who returns home just in time to witness the chaos. Sullivan brings a raw intensity to the role, capturing Beth’s struggle between her responsibilities as an aunt and her desire to escape the horrors of her past.
Morgan Davies as Danny: The eldest of Ellie’s children, Danny, is a typical teenager with a penchant for DJing. Davies effectively portrays Danny’s transformation from a rebellious teen to someone thrust into a life-or-death situation.
Gabrielle Echols as Bridget: Bridget, Ellie’s middle child, is a strong-willed and resourceful young girl. Echols’s performance adds a layer of emotional depth to the film, especially as she fights to protect her younger sibling amidst the chaos.
Nell Fisher as Kassie: The youngest of the trio, Kassie, is innocent and trusting. Fisher’s portrayal of Kassie brings a sense of innocence and desperation to the film, highlighting the terror of having to fend for herself against the evil forces unleashed in her home.
The casting of Evil Dead Rise is spot-on, with each actor delivering performances that elevate the film beyond mere jump scares. The dynamics within this small, beleaguered family create a strong emotional core that grounds the supernatural horror in a disturbingly relatable reality.
Production Details
Evil Dead Rise was a highly anticipated project within the horror community, especially with Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell, the original Ash Williams, serving as producers. However, the film took a different approach than its predecessors by moving away from the isolated cabin setting and into the urban sprawl of Los Angeles.
Lee Cronin, known for his work on The Hole in the Ground, was handpicked by Raimi to direct the film. Cronin’s vision for Evil Dead Rise was to maintain the franchise’s signature blend of horror and gore while injecting fresh life into the series by setting the story in a high-rise apartment. The change in setting allowed Cronin to explore new themes of isolation and urban decay, making the film feel contemporary and relevant.
Filming took place in New Zealand, with Cronin and his team constructing a dilapidated apartment complex that served as the primary location. The use of practical effects, a hallmark of the Evil Dead franchise, was emphasized throughout production. The Deadites, the film’s primary antagonists, were brought to life with a combination of practical makeup effects and CGI, creating a visceral and terrifying on-screen presence.
The production team also leaned into the franchise’s history, incorporating Easter eggs and nods to the original films. The iconic chainsaw and shotgun make appearances, and the film’s score, composed by Stephen McKeon, features subtle references to Joseph LoDuca’s original soundtrack, further linking Evil Dead Rise to its roots.
Plot Summary
Evil Dead Rise opens with a haunting prologue set in a remote cabin, offering a brief homage to the original films. However, the story quickly shifts to the city, where we meet Ellie and her children. Struggling to make ends meet, Ellie is suddenly thrust into a nightmare when her estranged sister, Beth, arrives on her doorstep.
The true horror begins when Danny, curious and unaware of the dangers, discovers a hidden basement in their apartment building. Inside, he finds the Necronomicon—the Book of the Dead—along with some old vinyl records. Despite his better judgment, Danny plays the records, which contain incantations that awaken the ancient evil within the Necronomicon.
As the Deadites are unleashed, Ellie is the first to fall victim, becoming possessed by the malevolent forces. The possession scenes are gruesome and intense, with Sutherland delivering a chilling performance as she transforms into a twisted, violent version of herself. As Ellie’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic and terrifying, Beth and the children must band together to survive.
The film’s climax is a blood-soaked battle for survival, with Beth and the children fighting their way through possessed neighbors and, eventually, a fully transformed Ellie. The use of the apartment building’s cramped and decaying environment heightens the tension, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that keeps the audience on edge.
In the end, Beth must confront her own demons and make a heartbreaking decision to save her niece and nephew. The final moments of the film leave the door open for future installments, with the Necronomicon still very much at large and the Deadites’ curse far from over.
Based on Real Life
While Evil Dead Rise is a work of fiction, the film draws upon real-life fears and anxieties that resonate with audiences. The concept of the Necronomicon, a book of ancient evil, is rooted in Lovecraftian horror and the idea that knowledge can be dangerous and corrupting. The film taps into the fear of the unknown, the loss of control, and the fragility of the human mind.
Interestingly, the notion of cursed books or objects has a long history in folklore and literature. Tales of haunted artifacts, demonic possessions, and cursed tomes have been part of human culture for centuries, often serving as cautionary tales about the dangers of meddling with forces beyond our understanding.
Additionally, the film’s urban setting reflects the modern world’s isolation despite dense populations. The apartment complex becomes a symbol of urban alienation, where neighbors are strangers and help is often too far away. This setting amplifies the horror by placing the supernatural terror in a recognizable, everyday environment, making the events of Evil Dead Rise feel eerily plausible.
Conclusion
Evil Dead Rise successfully resurrects the Evil Dead franchise, delivering a film that is both a tribute to its predecessors and a bold step forward. With a talented cast, expert direction from Lee Cronin, and a plot that balances genuine scares with emotional depth, the film stands out as a modern horror classic.
While the events of Evil Dead Rise are fictional, the fears it taps into are all too real. The film reminds us that horror is not just about the supernatural but also about the very human fears of isolation, loss of control, and the unknown. As the franchise continues to evolve, Evil Dead Rise ensures that the spirit of the Evil Dead lives on, haunting audiences for years to come.
