Review by Jon Donnis
The Evil Dead series has built its reputation on relentless gore, inventive horror and unforgettable practical effects. Evil Dead Burn continues that tradition with absolute confidence, delivering the sixth entry in the franchise and a direct sequel to Evil Dead Rise. Directed by Sébastien Vaniček, the film wastes very little time before plunging viewers into another nightmare fuelled by the Necronomicon, Deadites and enough blood to satisfy even the most hardened horror fan.
The story centres on Alice Price, played by Souheila Yacoub, who reunites with her late husband's family following his death. What should have been a sombre family gathering quickly descends into chaos as Deadite possession spreads through the household, turning relatives into monstrous killers. Hidden family tensions, buried secrets and supernatural terror combine to create a brutal battle for survival that becomes increasingly desperate as the body count rises.
What immediately stands out is just how expertly staged the horror sequences are. Every major kill feels carefully crafted rather than repetitive, with each attack finding a fresh way to shock the audience. The violence never becomes predictable because the film constantly introduces new ways for the Deadites to terrorise their victims. Whether it is savage hand to hand encounters, grisly dismemberments or horrifying creature attacks, the film maintains an impressive level of creativity throughout.
Sébastien Vaniček proves himself to be an outstanding horror director with an exceptional visual eye. He understands how to build tension before unleashing absolute carnage, while ensuring every gruesome moment remains memorable. The pacing within each individual set piece is excellent, allowing suspense to build naturally before exploding into scenes of complete chaos. His direction gives the film a distinctive personality while remaining faithful to the savage spirit that fans expect.
Fans looking for extreme horror will certainly not be disappointed. Evil Dead Burn is unapologetically violent from beginning to end, offering very little respite once the blood starts flowing. The opening sequence immediately establishes the brutal tone, and from that point onwards the film barely slows down. Severed limbs, torrents of blood, mangled bodies and grotesque Deadite transformations arrive with remarkable frequency. Even the family dog becomes part of the nightmare, ensuring almost nothing is off limits.
Souheila Yacoub delivers a convincing lead performance, carrying the emotional weight of the story while remaining believable as an increasingly desperate survivor. Alice's difficult relationship with her in-laws adds another layer to the horror, while her determination to fight back prevents her from becoming another helpless victim. The supporting cast also commit fully to their increasingly disturbing transformations, helping the possessed family members become genuinely unsettling threats.
Despite its strengths, the film is not without problems. One aspect that proves difficult to ignore is what feels like an obvious attempt to push a feminist message. Rather than allowing these themes to develop naturally through the story and characters, they often feel overly deliberate and forced, occasionally distracting from the horror itself. The franchise has always been strongest when it lets the terror speak for itself, and these moments interrupt that balance.
The absence of Bruce Campbell is another issue that longtime fans may struggle with. Although his iconic Ash Williams does receive a small cameo through a photograph, it feels more like an acknowledgement than a meaningful appearance. Ash has long been the heart of the Evil Dead franchise, bringing a unique mix of horror, humour and charisma that helped define the series. Without him, Evil Dead Burn often feels like a very good supernatural horror film rather than a true Evil Dead film. With only a handful of changes, it could easily have existed as a standalone story outside the franchise.
The running time also works against the film. At 110 minutes, it stretches the material further than necessary. Horror often benefits from tighter pacing, and trimming around twenty minutes would have resulted in a far more intense experience. There are sections where the momentum briefly slows before another spectacular horror sequence gets things moving again.
Even so, Evil Dead Burn succeeds where it matters most. It delivers spectacular gore, inventive scares and some genuinely unforgettable moments of carnage. It may not fully capture the magic that Bruce Campbell brought to previous entries, but it still offers an entertaining and uncompromising horror experience for those who simply want to watch Deadites unleash absolute mayhem.
Evil Dead without Ash never feels quite right, and this instalment highlights just how important that character has been to the franchise's identity. Nevertheless, if you can accept it on its own terms, there is plenty to enjoy. It is savage, relentless and visually impressive, making it a worthy watch for horror fans who appreciate unapologetic gore.
I score Evil Dead Burn 7.5 out of 10.
Out in Cinemas Now
