Sam Raimi’s “The Evil Dead” is often cited as one of the most endearing classic horror films of all time. Made with a very low budget, when Raimi himself was only 22 years old, the film is uniquely styled, with a touch of humor mixed into horror and gore. It was just a matter of time before a remake was made, and this time it is just simply titled “Evil Dead.” While this new rendition may lack the “charm” of the original, and, in numerous scenes may make you uncontrollably cringe in disgust, it manages to somehow entertain as well.
Don’t get me wrong, “Evil Dead” is not for people looking for a feel-good experience. It is disgusting, bloody, gory, shocking, sickening and some kind of terror-nightmare that even Jeffrey Dahmer may have been ashamed to think up. But, for that reason, it accomplishes what it sets out to do. To go see “Evil Dead” and not expect a full out freak-show would be the same as going to see “Les Miserables” and act shocked that everyone is singing.
As many horror movies have done before, “Evil Dead” is set in a broken-down old cabin in the middle of nowhere. Even without knowing the entire story, if you take five teenagers and place them alone anywhere, we know that most of them are going to be killed off before long; and probably in some horrible, twisted way. There will be maybe one person who will live to tell the tale.
Pretty soon, our naive teenagers find a witchcraft book in the dark, creepy basement of the cabin. And despite a warning on one of the pages that clearly states “DO NOT READ THESE LINES,” one of our characters decides to do it anyways. This unleashes a demonic presence, which, one by one, possesses every member of our crew. Here, “Evil Dead” transitions from relatively calm into no holds-barred gory insanity. It is so excessive that, for some reason, it is a fun ride to take. Sometimes, you have to feel a little sickened and grossed-out, so that afterwards you can move on and appreciate how great your life really is. It can’t all be rainbows and happy endings.
Surprising for a horror film, “Evil Dead” is actually well-acted; with a particular emphasis on Jane Levy as Mia. Levy manages to step far enough back from the “screaming, frightened girl” persona, which is not so easily done when most of your role actually consists of screaming and running away from things. Her performance is one of the highlights of the film.
“Evil Dead” is what it is. It’s unapologetic. Where else could you witness a girl slice her own arm off with an electric knife, or discover exactly how much blood spurts out when a chainsaw is pushed through someone’s face? There is no sugar-coating here; you see every sick moment of stabbing, maiming, and general body mutilation. The camera forces us to watch, and, like a train wreck, it is hard to look away.
This film may not have the legacy status of the original classic. But as far as horror remakes go, it is among the best I have seen in recent years. And for people really into horror, it is a must-see. For all others out there, you have been warned.