First ‘Evil Dead Burn’ Reactions Promise Most “Unhinged” Horror Entry Yet

Sam Raimi’s original The Evil Dead was first unleashed in 1981 before getting an official theatrical release in 1983. Regardless of the year of its official release, the filmmaker sent a very clear message with the lo-fi effort: he had plans to release some of the most unrelenting and terrifying movies imaginable. After 45 years, five movies, three seasons of Ash vs. Evil Dead, and multiple comic books and video games, it’s hard for the franchise to do anything that hasn’t already been done. Filmmaker Sébastien Vaniček may have done it, though, with the upcoming Evil Dead Burn.

While we still have to wait another week for the movie to officially premiere in theaters, early screenings have proven positive. Given that those who attended these early screenings are some of the most devoted fans of the franchise, it’s no surprise that they enjoyed this spin-off, but it also means they had every right to slam it if it didn’t meet their expectations. Over on social media, many audiences have shared their thoughts on the unsettling experience.

Journalist Simon Thompson said, “Evil Dead Burn is seriously nasty and pretty f*cked up. It’s relentless, jaw-on-the-floor nightmare fuel. Director Sébastien Vaniček goes hard and delivers a dark, unhinged, and tactile vision that does not hold back. Also, there’s a post-credit scene that you won’t want to miss!” The movie’s trailers alone have freaked out plenty of audiences, with these comments implying the actual movie goes even further with its terror.

Critic Peter Gray confirmed that the movie lives up to the expectations of the franchise, while also finding new ways to keep things fresh, explaining, “Evil Dead Burn is gloriously mean-spirited and violent to the point it might even be offensive. It doesn’t stray from the series formula, but its dark humour, hard R rating, and some killer tracking and one shots give it personality. I winced and had a ball!”

Not all of the reactions were full endorsements, however, as @TheNerdsofColor pointed out, “Evil Dead Burn is a gloriously gory good time, even if it doesn’t ‘Rise’ up to its predecessor(s). Great imagery and well executed scares. Plus a terrific performance from Souheila Yacoub and a thoughtful message about abusive relationships. Too long and incoherent at times though.” This specific comment draws reference to Evil Dead Rise, Lee Cronin’s 2023 spin-off, so while some might think the new movie is a downgrade, those who weren’t fans of Rise might think Burn is an improvement.

The clearest trend with all of these reactions is that Evil Dead Burn delivers what audiences have come to expect from the series, which is brutal, nightmarish torment. And on the plus side, another entry in the series – Evil Dead Wrath – is already on the way.