‘Evil Dead Rise’ is gleefully terrifying on the big screen

There was a time when we would have watched “Evil Dead Rise” on our television or laptop screens as it was originally slated for streaming on HBO Max (or HBO Go in the Philippines). After positive test screenings, Warner Bros decided to release the horror film in theaters instead.

The studio made the right decision. While they can be watched anywhere, horror flicks are best enjoyed in a dark theater,  with a group of friends for maximum enjoyment.

“Evil Dead Rise” focuses on an aunt (played by Lily Sullivan) and her nieces (Morgan Davies, Gabrielle Echols, and Nell Fisher) trying to survive the night in their apartment after the children’s mother and the aunt’s sister (Alyssa Sutherland) were possessed by a demon accidentally summoned by one of the kids through a demonic book called the Naturom Demonto.

This is the fifth film in the “Evil Dead” franchise that started in 1981 and earned a cult following. It launched the careers of Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell. There is lore established about these demonic spirits, the franchise’s mascot, and (usually) main character Ash Williams (Campbell).

But one wouldn’t need to catch up with the earlier four films and a spin-off television series, as the latest entry is a standalone -- allowing non-Evil Dead audiences to appreciate the story. At the same time, fans can enjoy some of the Easter eggs referencing the previous films. Campbell as Ash is not seen in “Evil Dead Rise”, although his voice is featured for five seconds.

The scares were well-done and stays faithful to the terrifying, yet non-serious tone of the franchise. Expect a lot of screaming thanks to its gory supernatural horror moments. Also, be prepared to laugh as some of the campy dialogue were delivered humorously, almost as if Rami directed this and not director-writer Lee Cronin

What made the film interesting thematically was its tackling of motherhood and sisterhood as its main characters are women. The dynamics between the sisters and the young girls they have to care for throughout the night increases the tension, especially since the demon possessing the mom takes advantage of her love for children by attempting to manipulate them. This also serves as a test of the aunt’s potential for motherhood after she discovers she is pregnant at the start of the movie.

This also allows the film to establish their characters to the point some viewers may be sad that some didn’t survive the night. Nonetheless, it’s refreshing that a horror film cares about the characters and are not used as mere props in jump scares.

Classified R-18 in its uncut form by the MTRCB, its gory moments may leave a lasting impression on viewers once they step out of the cinema. One scene involving a cheese grater as a weapon is definitely hard to forget.

“Evil Dead Rise” will leave long-time fans satisfied with “Evil Dead” references and may invite a new generation of fans. Three and a half stars out of five.