'Evil Dead Burn' Divides Critics: Is This Sixth Entry a Deadly Good Horror Hit or a Gonzo Miss?

The latest installment in the revered "Evil Dead" franchise, "Evil Dead Burn," emerges as a significant entry, marking the third film since its 2013 reboot and the sixth overall in the series. It builds upon the successful theatrical comeback initiated by Lee Cronin's "Evil Dead Rise," which became the highest-grossing film in the franchise's history and led to the announcement of two sequels, including "Burn" and 2028's "Evil Dead Wrath." Despite the franchise's consistently high quality over 45 years, "Evil Dead Burn" solidifies its standing as a worthy successor, expertly overseen by director Sébastien Vaniček.

While the original "Evil Dead" films, particularly "Evil Dead II," were known for their lightness and gonzo comedy, "Evil Dead Burn" takes a distinctly darker and more dramatic turn. It presents itself as a stand-alone drama delving into themes of family rancor and demons, at times evoking the intensity of a Eugene O’Neill play staged by Herschell Gordon Lewis. However, it surprisingly balances this dread with humor, utilizing expertly placed sight and sound gags that prevent the film from becoming relentlessly grim, reminiscent of the horror-comedy blend of "Evil Dead II." This entry also carries deep, culturally relevant thematic subtext on grief and abuse, echoing the allegorical depth found in "Evil Dead Rise."

The narrative centers on Alice (Souheila Yacoub), a young French woman whose life spirals into terror after her controlling husband, William (George Pullar), dies in a car crash, colliding head-on with a she-demon seen in the film’s prelude. Following the funeral, William's body reanimates, and the spirit of evil deadness possesses Edgar (Erroll Shand), the scuzzy family patriarch. As the family gathers in their decaying woodland manse, each member, in turn, succumbs to the Deadite curse, turning their bottled-up resentments against Alice, the unwanted daughter-in-law they despise. A long-gone grandfather's investigation into the Book of the Dead, documented through scrapbooking and reel-to-reel tapes, is revealed to be the origin of this unfolding madness, potentially linking back to the archaeologist from the original "Evil Dead" film.

Sébastien Vaniček proves himself a formidable new voice in horror, delivering a frequently jaw-dropping spectacle. Despite some minor choppy editing in the opening sequence, the film quickly picks up pace, moving at a lightning-fast speed. Vaniček's direction is lauded for its expert execution, featuring some of the best shots in the entire franchise, particularly during a delightfully bonkers finale. His ability to manifest the spirits of previous "Evil Dead" directors is evident, making his second feature feel like the work of a seasoned veteran.

True to the franchise's legacy, "Evil Dead Burn" makes excellent use of practical effects, showcasing graphic kills and disturbing gore that feel authentic and believable, even in the most over-the-top moments. While it incorporates a bit more CGI than the average "Evil Dead" film, its clever and sparing application ensures it largely remains a non-issue. The demons, unlike the prankish insolence of those in "Evil Dead II," exhibit a low-voiced, bent-spider-limbed "Exorcist" aura, presenting them more as malevolent spirits than traditional zombies. The mechanics of dispatching these Deadites remain somewhat fuzzy, with the closest discernible rule being "apply a power tool to the face and head until it’s literally shredded to bits...and you kill the ghoul."

The film boasts a remarkably strong ensemble cast, with Souheila Yacoub's Alice emerging as a wonderfully compelling character, a true "Final Girl in Gore-Gore Land" and a worthy successor to the series' previous heroes. Erroll Shand excels as the deranged, seemingly unkillable Edgar, while Tandi Wright delivers a powerful performance as the mother, embodying a passive-aggressive mother-in-law who becomes feral in her hatred. Maude Davey also makes her presence felt as the dementia-afflicted grandma. The actors skillfully convey domestic resentment through their horrifying desire to slaughter, even while delivering chilling lines as rotting harpies.

Arguably, the centerpiece of any "Evil Dead" movie is its third act, and "Evil Dead Burn" delivers one that hits particularly hard, even within a franchise known for impactful finales. Vaniček, the cast, and crew utilize every tool in their arsenal to craft a completely unhinged and bloody spectacle. This breathtaking ending includes innovative techniques, such as a complex oner and a shot where a broken mirror dramatically shifts the scene's perspective, promising to delight fans of the franchise.

Ultimately, "Evil Dead Burn" stands as a compelling addition to the horror franchise, featuring characters with depth, and perfectly aligning its action, scares, and comedy with Sam Raimi's signature style. Its unforgettable third act and fresh directorial vision confirm its status. In a word, "Evil Dead Burn" is undeniably "Groovy." The film is scheduled to hit theaters on Friday, July 10.