The Good: The common criticism of 2013's Evil Dead is that it lacks the humor and heart of the original films (this is a bit of revisionist history, since Sam Raimi's original was not really a horror comedy, as people tend to remember). There is no Ash, there is no absurdist humor, there are no crazy camera angles...I get it. This is an almost joyless, intense, brutal film.
And yet, every time I watch this with people, they're amazed by this movie. It's a movie that elicits laughs not through comedy but through discomfort and fear. It's a movie so absurd because of the situation; the buckets of blood, the shocking violence. It's a genuinely terrifying movie at times.
Evil Dead is what the film needed to be in 2013. Fede Alvarez doesn't seem like he hates the originals and wants to replace them. He wants them updated. Because let's be honest, the sort of campy, light hearted horror fare of the 80s just can't work today. And besides, why try and emulate Sam Raimi when the man is still alive and making movies? For that, I think Alvarez actually did the right thing in making his own version.
This Evil Dead excels where it really counts; it's scary as hell, one of the goriest films I've ever seen, hits all the right notes, and ends well. It reminds you how terrifying this scenario would really be. The practical effects are incredible and there's such a noticeable difference when people are interacting with real (fake) blood and guts as opposed to CG nonsense. The cinematography is gorgeous as well; as terrifying and ugly as what is happening on screen is, this movie just looks fantastic. There's so much texture and depth to each image.
Even though the characters may be meh, the performances are really good. Jane Levy is PERFECT in this role and plays both Mia and "Mia" really well. Shiloh Fernandez might not be winning any Oscars, but there's nothing wrong with him that would prevent audiences from getting behind him. Even Eric, played by Lou Taylor Pucci (amazing name), provides brief comic relief and although he causes everything, is so brutalized that you can't help but feel bad for the guy.
I don't know man this movie gets better every time I watch it.
The Bad: The one knock against this movie are the characters. Mia's demonic self might be the most interesting character in the movie; the rest of them are bland and essentially just there to die. I don't know what they could've done; we get enough time with these people in the beginning, but it's just not time used to flesh them out. Perhaps it's because the violence starts too early? But then, the intensity the film relies on might be compromised.
It's really not a big deal; we get the characters' motivations and why they wouldn't leave. We get they care a lot about Mia. And, as bland as these people are, the situation is so messed up, you can't help but root for them.
The Ugly: Evil Dead came out at a time when "Elevated Horror" was just starting to become a thing, and at a time when remakes were still viewed as cheap knock offs of original masterpieces. Perhaps that's why we never saw an Alvarez franchise, and instead got the (very fun and enjoyable) Ash vs. The Evil Dead. (Instead of remaking a classic, just reboot it.)
I can't say I hate that decision, because that show is a ton of fun and ultimately, it feels with it the fans got what they wanted. No one was asking for an Alvarez led sequel.
But as time has gone on, I think this film is being appreciated for what it is. Maybe we don't need a sequel, but I for one am waiting to return to the Evil Dead universe again one day. A man can hope. As for now, I end my 2022 Halloween marathon with what I consider an underappreciated gem.
And yet, every time I watch this with people, they're amazed by this movie. It's a movie that elicits laughs not through comedy but through discomfort and fear. It's a movie so absurd because of the situation; the buckets of blood, the shocking violence. It's a genuinely terrifying movie at times.
Evil Dead is what the film needed to be in 2013. Fede Alvarez doesn't seem like he hates the originals and wants to replace them. He wants them updated. Because let's be honest, the sort of campy, light hearted horror fare of the 80s just can't work today. And besides, why try and emulate Sam Raimi when the man is still alive and making movies? For that, I think Alvarez actually did the right thing in making his own version.
This Evil Dead excels where it really counts; it's scary as hell, one of the goriest films I've ever seen, hits all the right notes, and ends well. It reminds you how terrifying this scenario would really be. The practical effects are incredible and there's such a noticeable difference when people are interacting with real (fake) blood and guts as opposed to CG nonsense. The cinematography is gorgeous as well; as terrifying and ugly as what is happening on screen is, this movie just looks fantastic. There's so much texture and depth to each image.
Even though the characters may be meh, the performances are really good. Jane Levy is PERFECT in this role and plays both Mia and "Mia" really well. Shiloh Fernandez might not be winning any Oscars, but there's nothing wrong with him that would prevent audiences from getting behind him. Even Eric, played by Lou Taylor Pucci (amazing name), provides brief comic relief and although he causes everything, is so brutalized that you can't help but feel bad for the guy.
I don't know man this movie gets better every time I watch it.
The Bad: The one knock against this movie are the characters. Mia's demonic self might be the most interesting character in the movie; the rest of them are bland and essentially just there to die. I don't know what they could've done; we get enough time with these people in the beginning, but it's just not time used to flesh them out. Perhaps it's because the violence starts too early? But then, the intensity the film relies on might be compromised.
It's really not a big deal; we get the characters' motivations and why they wouldn't leave. We get they care a lot about Mia. And, as bland as these people are, the situation is so messed up, you can't help but root for them.
The Ugly: Evil Dead came out at a time when "Elevated Horror" was just starting to become a thing, and at a time when remakes were still viewed as cheap knock offs of original masterpieces. Perhaps that's why we never saw an Alvarez franchise, and instead got the (very fun and enjoyable) Ash vs. The Evil Dead. (Instead of remaking a classic, just reboot it.)
I can't say I hate that decision, because that show is a ton of fun and ultimately, it feels with it the fans got what they wanted. No one was asking for an Alvarez led sequel.
But as time has gone on, I think this film is being appreciated for what it is. Maybe we don't need a sequel, but I for one am waiting to return to the Evil Dead universe again one day. A man can hope. As for now, I end my 2022 Halloween marathon with what I consider an underappreciated gem.