It’s probably rare that the main character of a horror franchise puts a big grin on everyone’s face just by appearing. But that’s how it is when Ash Williams a.k.a. Bruce Campbell appears on the scene. As a chainsaw-wielding anti-hero, he and his friends Sami Raimi and Ellen Sandweiss made the low-budget production Evil Dead a cult hit. Then it got quiet for a short time. But, now again, the Evil Dead Rise.
THE BRIEF STORY & CHARACTERS OF EVIL DEAD RISE
ELLIE A.K.A. ALYSSA SUTHERLAND
Ellie’s life is really dark. She knows evil well. Because after her husband left her, she now has to take care of her three children alone. However, she does her best. Until the day she meets true evil.
Unlike Evil Dead Rise, it doesn’t seem that evil plays a part in Alyssa Sutherland’s life. Because, of her unique beauty and her disarming look, the sensational Australian has been working successfully as a model for years. We also know Alyssa as the gorgeous Queen Aslaug from the series Vikings.
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BETH A.K.A. LILY SULLIVAN
Beth is very different from her sister. She doesn’t think much of responsibility. Not even listening to her messages. But now it’s her who needs her family as she is in trouble. She has no idea that the visit to Ellie and the kids will make the trouble even bigger.
Lily Sullivan is also from Australia. She began her career at age 17 alongside Toni Collette in the drama comedy Mental. Last year, she surprised everyone in the film Monolith, in which she appeared completely alone and played a slightly quirky podcaster. In Evil Dead Rise she now plays a survivor who really has to endure a lot.
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DANNY A.K.A. MORGAN DAVIES
Danny is Ellie’s oldest. He loves music – old school – i.e. he likes vinyl. That’s cool but also stupid. Because when he goes to get pizza with the siblings, they are surprised by an earthquake. Of course, Danny absolutely has to examine the hole that opens up. And so he finds 3 old records and an even older, mysterious book that is being held closed by sharp teeth. No question that he absolutely has to play the records. If this is a good idea?
Morgan Davis is also part of the Evil Dead Rise Australia gang. He played very impressively in the Australian film The Tree at the age of 9. As is often the case, these little masterpieces get lost in the big world of cinema. However, it’s still worth watching the film. Morgan received several nominations for both movies The Tree and The Hunter, among them were even the AACTA Awards. He’s got the nominations for his work as best actress. In 2020 Davies publicly came out as transgender.
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BRIDGET A.K.A. GABRIELLE ECHOLS
Bridget is Ellie’s middle daughter. A bit punky and very smart, she keeps the family together. At least until her curious brother awakens evil and throws the family into chaos.
Until now, we got to see Gabrielle Echols in Reminiscence alongside Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Ferguson. It is to be expected that her Instagram account will explode after the release of Evil Dead Rise and that hopefully, we will see her on screen more often.
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KASSIE A.K.A. NELL FISHER
Kassie is the baby of the family. The little one is just as weird as her siblings. In this way, a very creative way, Kassie prepares as a precaution for an emergency, whatever it may look like.
Of course, 11-year-old Nell is also a young star in the business. However, she has already acted in two other films, Northspur and Choose Love. With her appearance in Evil Dead Rise, the cute actress makes sure we haven’t heard from her for the last time.
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BRUCE CAMPBELL A.K.A. BRUCE CAMPBELL
Of course, as long as it is possible, the cult hero of the series should not be missing from a film in the franchise. In Evil Dead Rise we don’t get to see Bruce Campbell, but we do hear him. That’s when Danny and Beth listen to the records with the mysterious, frightening lyrics.
Anyone who hasn’t seen Bruce in his signature role should definitely check out My Name is Bruce. Even if the film didn’t get very good reviews, it is a must-see for his fans, as well as those of Evil Dead. Follow Bruce on Instagram
EVIL DEAD RISE CONCLUSION
Evil Dead is a cult. And it will remain so for as long as people can get excited about the somewhat weird horror mix of blood, humor, and social criticism.
45 years ago, director Sam Raimi laid the foundation for this cult with his short film WITHIN THE WOODS. With Evil Dead Rise, he breaks new ground and introduces completely new characters. But not without one or the other reference and homage to the originals. So, the film starts in a remote cabin, as we know it from the prequels from the 80s.
It also seems Sam Raimi is looking to rival or honor genre classics like 1992’s Peter Jackson’s Braindead (aka Dead Alive) with Evil Dead Rise. At least as far as the crazy story and the amounts of fake blood are concerned. Let’s hope it’s fake blood 😉.
THE CAST
The story isn’t new, but it’s cool. The actors also contribute to this, all of them. However, Alyssa Sutherland is particularly impressive. She truly immerses herself in her role, playing the single mother as deeply and convincingly as the demon-possessed bitch.
Lily Sullivan is also great. She shares the pain she is going through with us in a special way. Gabrielle Echols and Morgan Davies are also convincing. Howsoever, of course, sweet Nell Fisher is particularly adorable. Despite her young age, she already knows exactly how to open our hearts.
HANDMADE
Another highlight of the film, and this is what makes it so authentic, is that Sam Raimi and his team didn’t let the computer take control. Most of the special effects are handmade. Old school. Excellent.
Not everything about Evil Dead Rise is perfect. But that’s awesome too. Because aren’t we tired of all the perfect people on social networks and on the big screen? It’s nice to experience some heartbroken personalities and some scenes that weren’t perfectly designed on the computer but created by human hands.
EVIL DEAD RISE RATING
So, Evil Dead Rise fits perfectly into the franchise. Ok, we don’t see Bruce in his signature role anymore. But we’re getting new, fresh characters, all of whom still have great careers ahead of them. In our opinion, it’s worth seeing Evil Dead Rise with friends at the cinema, with a Bloody Mary – if possible – and lots of popcorn. You will need it to calm your nerves.
Our rating: Creepy and mega cool!
Text & Layout: Marco Kokkot | VALEUR MEDIA
Pictures: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
