The Evil Dead
The Evil Dead

Movie spotlight

The Evil Dead

1981
Movie
85 min
English

In 1979, a group of college students find a Sumerian Book of the Dead in an old wilderness cabin they've rented for a weekend getaway.

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Google Users94%
Director: Sam RaimiGenres: Horror, Fantasy, Slasher

Plot Summary

Five college students vacation in an isolated cabin in the woods. They discover a "Book of the Dead" and, reading from it, unwittingly summon demons. The friends soon find themselves battling for their lives as their flesh is possessed and their minds twisted by the evil entities.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, The Evil Dead was met with controversy due to its graphic violence and gore. However, it quickly gained a cult following and is now widely regarded as a landmark achievement in independent horror filmmaking, praised for its innovative direction and relentless intensity.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visceral terror and inventive, low-budget filmmaking.

  • Celebrated for its relentless pace and Sam Raimi's unique directorial vision.

  • Noted for its extreme gore and dark humor, which became a signature of the franchise.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly love The Evil Dead, frequently citing its groundbreaking gore, intense atmosphere, and the iconic performance by Bruce Campbell as Ash. Many appreciate its raw, independent spirit and its status as a horror classic.

Awards & Accolades

None notable (primarily recognized for its cult status and influence on the horror genre)

Fun Fact

The film's infamous "tree rape" scene was so disturbing and controversial that it led to the movie being banned in several countries and contributed to the "video nasty" panic in the UK.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

5 reviews
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**A case study on makeup and pre-CGI effects.** I saw this film recently, and I wasn't particularly pleased. I recognize Sam Raimi's talent and his special aptitude for horror films, but the films he made in the 80s, in my opinion, have ...

CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Right, so we all head off on a weekend trip to stay in a remote cottage. When we arrive, having crossed a distinctly dodgy bridge, we discover a ramshackle shack. Me, well I'm not getting out of the car, much less staying the night in the p...

Nathan

Nathan

The last time I watched this film, I was about ten years old. So, this is essentially a new viewing. I though the first twenty or so minutes were quite slow. Poor acting and dialogue led me to believe this was going to be another run of the...

Kamurai

Kamurai

Decent watch at best, probably won't watch again, and can't recommend unless you just love classic gore practical effects. I'm honestly confused why this was such a bit hit at the time. Maybe it was just part of the trends, maybe the 19...

Wuchak

Wuchak

RELEASED IN 1981 (but not until April, 1983, in the USA) and written & directed by Sam Raimi, “The Evil Dead” chronicles events when five Michigan State students travel to a remote cabin in western Tennessee for spring break wherein they di...