Halloween watchlist: Evil Dead Rise is a diabolical masterpiece with unrelenting scares

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Another classic to add to your Halloween watchlist!
I have been a fan of the Evil Dead franchise since my childhood. Let the world call it cartoonish or a comedy of errors, but that’s a case of sour grapes and I feel sorry for them. In fact, Evil Dead is one of the only franchises keeping the essence of true horror alive. Evil Dead Rise successfully resurrects the iconic horror franchise with a blood-soaked vengeance. Lee Cronin, at the helm, doesn't shy away from gore, as thousands of litres of fake blood flow through the veins of this diabolical masterpiece. From eye trauma to chainsaws and dismemberment by wood chipper, the movie revels in its grotesque heritage. So, let me tell you why it is a must-watch movie this Halloween. What is it about? @ Warner Bros. PicturesThe tale commences with three unsuspecting vacationers, Teresa, Caleb, and Jessica, nestled in a rustic cabin in the eerie woods. It sets the stage for a supernatural encounter with references to classic literature, which adds an intriguing layer. Soon, horror comes knocking, and we're transported back a day earlier to an apartment building named Monde which, ingeniously, is an anagram of ‘demon’. Here, we meet Beth and Ellie, two sisters grappling with life's challenges. @ Warner Bros. PicturesAn earthquake unearths a malevolent book and a cache of sinister vinyl records in their basement, unleashing a harrowing series of events. Despite the neighbours' valiant attempts to battle evil, they prove powerless against elevators overflowing with blood and demonic records.This introduction of a dysfunctional family dynamic breathes fresh life into the narrative, featuring a tattoo artist mother and her children. The apartment setting creates a claustrophobic atmosphere, and while the characters' struggles to escape might raise an eyebrow, the movie’s stunning visual effects and inventive utilisation of everyday objects keeps the horror consistent.What’s good about it? @ Warner Bros. PicturesIn a genre where many movies delve into profound themes, Evil Dead Rise unapologetically revels in its core essence—a pure, unrestrained spectacle of gore. While it lightly touches on themes of motherhood, it's the excessive blood, relentless violence, and inventive gore that occupy centre stage.The movie’s visuals are nothing short of breathtaking, with sequences like the peephole carnage and the mirror's eerie reflections adding to its chilling allure. The iconic steady-cam shot in the movie’s climax leaves you oscillating between delight and dread. @ Warner Bros. PicturesEvil Dead Rise manages to capture a timeless essence, a reminder that evil, like good, endures through the ages. The movie weaves sociological and psychological elements into its spine-tingling narrative, offering a fresh take on the genre.Lee Cronin's meticulous attention to visual aesthetics is unmistakable, as every shot is crafted with precision to send shivers down your spine. The grim cityscape adds a new layer to the horror genre, with dilapidated high-rises and urban decay serving as a haunting backdrop. @ Warner Bros. PicturesJump scares and classic horror gags punctuate the movie, keeping the audience perpetually on edge. This is a raucous, high-octane, midnight screening type of experience that elicits both screams and cheers. Cronin masterfully deploys practical effects, intricate rigging, and grotesque prosthetic makeup to deliver a nightmarishly gruesome spectacle. Once it finds its rhythm, Evil Dead Rise becomes an unrelenting, thrilling joyride.The movie introduces us to a relatively unknown cast led by an unseasoned director, but they deliver commendable performances. Alyssa Sutherland's portrayal of Ellie, as both a loving mother and a possessed Deadite, is genuinely chilling. Lily Sullivan, Gabrielle Echols, and Morgan Davies excel in their roles, creating a family that endures a harrowing ordeal. @ Warner Bros. PicturesEvil Dead Rise pays homage to its predecessors and other horror classics, featuring references like chainsaws and blood floods reminiscent of The Shining. The gritty, hyper-realistic cinematography adds to the movie’s authenticity, even in its most gruesome moments.What’s not so good? @ Warner Bros PicturesAs a narrative, Evil Dead Rise lacks depth, primarily focusing on blood and gore. For gore enthusiasts, this movie is a treat, but those seeking a more substantial plot might be disappointed. The excessive violence, putrid scenes, and graphic content may cater to hardcore horror fans (like me!) only.This makes the movie a bit formulaic.The unimaginable amount of fake blood might make you feel out of breath. Thankfully, the director finds creative ways to focus on the horror aspect, otherwise, you might faint by just looking at this blood fest. @ Warner Bros PicturesThe absence of Bruce Campbell's Ash is notably palpable, as his unique blend of humour and heroism is missing from this instalment.The movie grapples with pacing and exposition in its early stages, attempting to establish its unique interpretation of the Evil Dead formula. Ellie's rocker sister, Beth, and the earthquake that reveals a sinister safety deposit box slow down the initial act. Yet, once Evil Dead Rise gains momentum, it transforms into a relentless rollercoaster of horror.Despite minor storytelling hiccups and a lack of narrative depth, Evil Dead Rise satisfies fans of the franchise. Evil Dead Rise is a horror movie best enjoyed with a group of friends. The scares are unrelenting, the gore flows freely, and the darkly humorous spirit of the franchise remains very much intact. It's a fitting addition to the enduring Evil Dead legacy, proving that even after four decades, this franchise can still deliver a blood-drenched, scream-inducing good time.