I guess it is only fitting that I conclude my feature on The Evil Dead, entitled Cult, Hard to Please and Unlikable Trees, with a review of
the much-awaited remake, directed by Fede Alvarez.
In terms of the narrative, it is almost identical to the
original premise of the 1981 cult classic. Five teens stay in a cabin in the
woods and unknowingly unleash evil demon spirits that ultimately cause a lot of
death and bloodshed. The first positive point I have to make is that Alvarez
cleverly added another dynamic to this narrative trope. The teens weren't going
there for a romantic getaway or an atypical spring break piss up, but instead, were going to help our
main protagonist Mia (Jane Levy) quit a drug habit as she aims to go ‘cold turkey’. It has poignancy
for the first half hour or so as Mia’s friends question the devilish goings on,
blaming it on the symptoms of withdrawal – it’s a welcomed twist to a generic
set up that has, let’s face it, been exhausted to death for many years.
After Mia and friends venture into the basement, we get our
first shot of the Necronomicon. Appearing as foreboding and menacing as ever we
soon learn that if we find a book, inked in blood, bound in human skin and
covered in barbed wire we should probably not touch it and definitely not read
it. But hey, what kind of film would this be if our teenage protagonists had
common sense!? Soon enough, Eric (Lou Taylor Pucci) reads from the book and
unleashes a demonic presence that latches on to Mia’s soul. From here on out,
carnage ensues in a whistle stop tour of all manners of dismemberment.
The films’ score, composed by Roque Baños, was problematic throughout. At times, orchestral bursts fitted
perfectly with fleeting moments of gore on screen, adding extra gumption to the
effect. The bomb-raid-esque alarm that featured toward the end was incredibly
effective in adding that extra punch of excitement and intensity. Apart from
that, however, it felt overtly melodramatic and out of place, attempting to
be sentimental with characters which, let’s face it, we do not care for and are
not particularly likable.
Apart from Jane Levy’s performance, in which she goes all
out in a very trying and physical role, the remaining cast are incredibly bland
and underwhelming, as is the film’s script. Of course, however, we are not
watching Evil Dead for intense character development and outstanding
performances. Really and truly, we want the gore, and it is this in which the
film deserves its highest praise.
I
won’t give away every trick in the book but the second half of the film is a truly glorious rollercoaster ride of splicing, dicing, carving and stabbing.
Alvarez’s choice to avoid CGI and go ‘old school’ is a bold but brilliant
choice, making the experience all the more visceral and memorable. It’s a
strong attempt to recapture the nastiness that was much loved about the
original (in addition to subtle inclusions of the iconographic car, clock and
pack of cards). Particularly, the last ten minutes in which Mia is literally
battling her demons is worth noting, as an exhilarating blood-fest.
As gory as these moments are, however, they are not
terrifying. Whilst much debate has been had over the intentions of the original
(was it supposed to be terrifying, comical or both?), Alvarez went with the
decision to remake it as an out-and-out horror film so it is a shame that
scares are lacking (although this, of course, is entirely subjective). The
decision to forego comedy is also, therefore, highly noticeable and thus, there
is an unfortunate sense of emptiness that shadows throughout.
Whilst Evil Dead is not "the most terrifying film you
will ever experience" (as the promotional posters wrongly suggest) it is still
a thrill ride. Alvarez has done a neat job with a difficult task of retaining much-loved elements of the original but at the same time voicing his own craft and adapting to a different generation. Jane Levy is a joy to watch but the brutal, gory special effects are
the film’s strongest feat. So, this remake, sequel or as Alvarez has coined "requel" is, overall, a ballsy and refreshing
addition to studio re-workings of canonical horror classics.
Have you seen Evil Dead? What were your thoughts? Post a comment!
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