Evil Dead Burn
Continuing the legacy
9 Jul 2026 
Richard Soo Since its low-budget debut in 1981, The Evil Dead has become one of horror cinema's most influential franchises.
Sam Raimi’s original film launched Bruce Campbell’s iconic Ash Williams, inspired sequels, television series and video games, and helped establish Raimi as one of Hollywood’s leading directors. More recently, Evil Dead Rise (2023) successfully reinvented the series by moving the horror from an isolated cabin to an urban apartment block. Now, Evil Dead Burn continues that legacy while once again bringing the production back to New Zealand.
Directed by French filmmaker Sébastien Vanicek, who co-wrote the screenplay with Sam Raimi and Florent Bernard, Evil Dead Burn opens with an unsettling fishing trip before quickly descending into the blood-soaked mayhem fans have come to expect. The story soon shifts to two brothers, Will and Joseph, their families, and an isolated holiday home where an ancient evil connected to the infamous Book of the Dead once again begins its reign of terror.
As the family gathers following a tragic accident, old wounds and strained relationships quickly surface. Their emotional baggage, however, becomes secondary as one by one they fall victim to demonic possession. Hidden somewhere within the decaying family home is an artefact capable of stopping the evil, leaving the remaining survivors in a desperate race against time.
Vanicek clearly understands what audiences expect from an Evil Dead film. The practical effects, relentless pace and graphic violence deliver exactly the sort of visceral horror the franchise has become known for. Gore fans will not be disappointed.
Unfortunately, the screenplay spends little time developing its characters before unleashing the carnage. While hints of deeper family conflict emerge early, these ideas are largely abandoned in favour of increasingly elaborate horror set pieces. As a result, it becomes difficult to invest emotionally in the characters beyond simply wondering who will survive.
Even so, longtime fans will appreciate the numerous nods to earlier entries in the series, and it is well worth remaining until the end of the credits for a scene that links directly back to Evil Dead Rise.
Evil Dead Burn succeeds as an entertaining horror film, delivering all the blood, tension and supernatural terror audiences expect from the franchise. Those uncomfortable with graphic violence, disturbing imagery or themes involving demonic possession should exercise caution, as several scenes are genuinely confronting.
What should parents know?
This film contains sustained graphic violence, disturbing horror imagery, demonic possession, strong language and intense scenes that may distress many viewers. It is not suitable for younger audiences and could be particularly upsetting for those affected by trauma involving pets or firearms.
REEL DIALOGUE: What can truly save us?
Spoiler warning: The following discussion contains references to events in the film.
One of the more interesting moments in Evil Dead Burn comes when Alice desperately searches through a collection of weapons, hoping one will defeat the demon attacking her. Time after time she chooses larger, more impressive-looking blades, only to discover they are powerless. The weapon that ultimately succeeds is surprisingly small and unassuming.
The Bible presents a similar paradox. God often works through what the world considers weak or foolish rather than what appears impressive or powerful. Nowhere is this seen more clearly than in the cross of Jesus Christ.
To many observers, Jesus’ crucifixion looked like defeat. Yet through his death and resurrection, God accomplished the greatest victory over sin and death.
The Apostle Paul wrote:
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” – 1 Corinthians 1:18
Like Alice searching for the right weapon, we all place our trust in something to save us. The question is whether our confidence rests in what merely appears powerful or in the One whose power changed history forever.
Where to look for more details: 1 Corinthians 1:18–25; Colossians 2:13–15; Ephesians 6:10–18; James 4:7
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