Having just screened the latest installment in the “Evil Dead” series, “Evil Dead Rise,” I am intrigued by this second feature film from Irish director Lee Cronin, known for his horror masterpiece, “The Hole in the Ground.” Of course, the revered trio of Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi, and Bruce Campbell are the powerhouse producers behind this ambitious venture.
Casual viewers may find the abundant on-screen gore, amplified by the progress in VFX, leaning towards the gruesomeness in this series’ context. However, for “Evil Dead” aficionados and horror maniacs, the depiction is just shy of being “too gory,” maintaining a substantial entertainment factor. I found this delicate balance rather appealing. Although the comedic tone of the original series has somewhat faded, the earnest portrayal of supernatural phenomena has been deftly balanced with moments of unexpected humor.
In terms of style, meticulous editing ensures a relentless pace. Each cut, carefully crafted, carries a sense of aesthetic beauty, exuding a stylishness that rivals art-house cinema. The absence of any wasted shots is commendable. This craftsmanship evokes a desire to revisit Cronin’s previous film, “The Hole in the Ground.”
Elements from Sam Raimi’s original — the cursed book “Necronomicon,” iconic props like the chainsaw — are generously incorporated, yet Cronin, the modern culinary artist, has seasoned these ingredients with his unique vision and novel techniques, creating a fresh cinematic dish. If I were to nitpick, it might be that the temperature of the dish may not sit well with everyone, metaphorically speaking.
Stephen McKeon, an Irish compatriot who previously collaborated with Cronin on “The Hole in the Ground,” provides a score that is as fresh and vibrant as the visual aesthetics. The soundtrack, rich in its horror-oriented orchestral vocabulary, teases a delicate sound image with high sensitivity to fear. McKeon’s sense of balance as a composer is impressive. I find it unfortunate that we don’t see his name more often in American cinema — I’m eager to hear his compositions in other genres.