The Evil Dead – 1981 – Horror, Dark Comedy
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Written by: Sam Raimi
Main Players: Bruce Campbell; Ellen Sandweiss; Betsy Baker; Theresa Tilly; Richard DeManincor
It is unlikely that most viewers have not at least heard of The Evil Dead, or one of its sequels or remakes, but the whole series is definitely worth a venture for brave viewers or those into cheesy horror. The remake/reboots of the most recent decade or so are much, much darker and decidedly more serious, but they are pretty good outright horror movies. For me, it’s best to start with the original material, so here we are.
Heading to a dilapidated cabin in the woods, Ashley Williams (Campbell) heads with his sister Cheryl (Sandweiss), his girlfriend Linda (Baker), and their friends Shelly (Tilly) and dipshit Scott (DeManincor). Since these set-ups are classically famous for working out for every single character involved, let’s just assume that all will go extremely well!!
They cross a super rickety bridge which literally gives out as they drive over it, yet they press forward. They are determined to enjoy their vacation, having found a cheap rental spot somewhere in the Tennessee backwoods.
As they settle into the tiny and cramped cabin, shit hits the fan almost immediately. Oh, and there is a super creepy cellar door and spacious terror-inducing basement below. Love it. Why not just sleep down there? Plenty of room for all.
The basic plot revolves around demonic possessions, the Book of the Dead, and tons of blood and gore. The budget was itty bitty, and the aspect ratio is as if on an older squarer TV frame. The players are all unknown, other than the always epic Bruce Campbell, who was introduced to the world via this epic beginning. The practical effects are awesome despite the limitations of the film.
Sam Raimi showed why he would become a big-time director in Hollywood by making his $350,000 budget go pretty damn far with buckets of blood and horrific makeup. Yes, this is supposed to be a somewhat hammy affair with some of the future sequels leaning even further into this slapstick type gore and antics. This demonic horror is awful, horrific and out for blood. Will our hapless heroes stand any chances?
See This If You Liked:
Re-Animator; From Beyond; Cabin Fever (2002); The Cabin in the Woods; Drag Me to Hell; The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974; 2003); House of 1000 Corpses; Terrifier 2; The Blair Witch Project; The Ritual (2017); The Return of the Living Dead; Slither; Feast (2005); Tremors; Black Sheep (2006); Tucker and Dale vs Evil
Score:
7.5