Evil Dead Rise (2023) is a ferocious return to one of horror’s most infamous franchises, delivering unrelenting terror in a bold new setting. Gone are the shadowy woods and creaking cabins—instead, this chapter drags the nightmare into an urban apartment complex, proving evil doesn’t need isolation to thrive.
The story centers on two estranged sisters, Ellie and Beth, whose uneasy reunion is shattered when an ancient Book of the Dead is discovered beneath their crumbling building. What follows is a night of chaos as demonic forces possess the living, turning loved ones into grotesque, blood-soaked monsters. The film wastes no time plunging viewers into madness, and once the horror begins, it never lets up.
Director Lee Cronin masterfully blends the brutal, relentless energy of the franchise’s earlier films with a fresh sense of dread. Evil Dead Rise doesn’t rely on jump scares alone—it builds horror through claustrophobic tension, shocking visuals, and the disturbing transformation of family into foes. The gore is intense, unflinching, and often hard to watch, but never gratuitous. It’s horror with purpose—visceral and unforgettable.
Alyssa Sutherland delivers a standout performance as Ellie, whose descent into demonic possession is chilling and disturbingly charismatic. Her portrayal is equal parts terrifying and tragic, embodying the franchise’s signature blend of horror and dark humor. Lily Sullivan, as Beth, anchors the film emotionally, evolving from a reluctant visitor to a fierce final girl.
Evil Dead Rise is a brutal evolution of the franchise, one that respects its roots while carving a new, bloodstained path forward. It’s fast, fierce, and soaked in terror—exactly what fans crave. This is not just a sequel—it’s a resurrection. Evil is back, and it’s louder, meaner, and more terrifying than ever.
