Prior to the the modern remake of the Evil Dead, I attempted to revisit The Evil Dead and Evil Dead II to prepare myself. Time didn’t permit me, so I watched the remake without having the original fresh in my mind. Anyway, the film was directed by Fede Alvarez, a man whose only work were a couple of short foreign films, which I didn’t watch. This film would be his first feature and his US directorial debut. With the blessings from the key people of the original, Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell, who also serve as co-producers, Alvarez manage to do his best to capture the essence of the originals while maintaining his own personal tone and aesthetic. Although the story is paying homage to the events of the original films, the remake executes it differently by grounding the characters in a more suitable and realistic world. I’m using the word ‘realistic’ loosely. By concentrating on the eerie and dark spiritual aspects of the story, the film tends to be like any other horror film in the past decade. When gore is emphasized greatly and the attempt to frighten people with visceral blood splatter scenes is used throughout. Story wise, the film derives from both The Evil Dead and Evil Dead II, It’s sort of a combination of the two. Replacing key characters’ intentions with a modern dilemma and relying on their actions afterwards. I thought it was plausible and well crafted.
After watching the film and revisiting the original films, my appreciation has grown immensely for both the original and remake. I still don’t think the originals were remotely scary but fun and entertaining, and my thoughts on the remake is equivalent to that: Fun and entertaining. Although it deviated from the humor, the remake concentrated on its elaborate set-ups and practical effects. And unlike the original, the first half of this film is completely exposition. I understand why they needed to explain the Book of The Dead, but I didn’t think it was necessary, especially if it’s sort of self-explanatory. I mean, it’s called the Book of The Dead? I guess this generation needed the explanation?
I totally missed the humor and hammy performances that the originals had, but I loved how unique the remake tried to be. I love how timeless the film felt, with no iPhones or modern technology present, and how contrary the characters’ depictions were. Many may describe them as dumb but they were intelligent people doing remarkable things to stay alive. It went against it’s stereotypical horror tropes and tried to reinvent them. How can you create a modern horror film post-The Cabin in The Woods? I mean, unless you’re a huge horror fan, majority of people didn’t like The Cabin in The Woods, but it’s sort of a cult classic now.
As for the performances and technical side of the film, I thought they were amazing across the board. Well, at least they were beyond competent. Jane Levy did an excellent job with her duel performances being both the protagonist and antagonist, Mia. It was all about her eyes guys. After revisiting the originals, my thoughts on her performances grew. It’s a tough role to do, especially if the original spawned one of the greatest horror heroes ever. I thought David, played by Shiloh Fernandez, was decent. As for the rest, they all did well. I loved that Alvarez relied on practical effects to get his scenes across as being exceptionally over the top and many times, brutal. It’s quite demented but never surprising, especially if you’ve been desensitized from the past decade with recent horror films. Despite that, it was fantastic to watch. Also the score evoked the same eerie and sometimes extraordinary tones as the original.
Overall, I love the remake while commending them on trying, because it’s a tough film to digest. The loyal fanbase of the originals will ignore or oppose it. Personally, I compared it to the remakes of Dawn of the Dead and The Hills Have Eyes, which were great remakes that were completely unique and respectful to the originals. There were subtle touches that were an ode to The Evil Dead and Evil Dead II, that I hope fans of the original will appreciate and love, but I’m afraid many fans will sadly compare and dismiss. I can go on and on about the film but rather have a healthy discussion and critique with fans alike. Like my twin brother, whom I watched it with, I had a huge smile walking out the theater.
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