Evil Dead (2013) Movie Review: A Terrifying Reimagining of a Cult Classic
Evil Dead (2013) is a visceral and blood-soaked reimagining of Sam Raimi’s iconic 1981 horror film, The Evil Dead. Directed by Fede Álvarez in his feature film debut, the movie stays true to the spirit of the original while upping the ante with modern special effects, brutal gore, and a more intense atmosphere. By keeping the core premise intact but adding fresh elements, Evil Dead stands as one of the best horror remakes, appealing to both die-hard fans of the franchise and a new generation of horror enthusiasts.
In this article, we will review the movie, examine its key performances, and guide you on where to watch Evil Dead (2013) online via streaming services and rental/purchase options in the U.S.
Plot Overview: An Unrelenting Descent into Horror
The plot of Evil Dead (2013) revolves around a group of five friends who travel to a remote cabin in the woods to help their friend Mia (Jane Levy) overcome her drug addiction. The group, consisting of Mia’s brother David (Shiloh Fernandez), his girlfriend Natalie (Elizabeth Blackmore), and their friends Eric (Lou Taylor Pucci) and Olivia (Jessica Lucas), hope to use the isolation to give Mia the time she needs to detox.
Things take a dark turn when they discover a mysterious book—the Naturom Demonto—in the cabin’s basement. Despite warnings written within the book, Eric reads from it, unwittingly releasing an ancient evil that possesses Mia. As the demonic entity takes hold, the group must confront unimaginable horrors, including demonic possession, gruesome mutilations, and a relentless fight for survival.
With graphic violence and non-stop tension, Evil Dead (2013) offers an updated take on the original while maintaining the raw terror that made Sam Raimi’s version a cult favorite.
Key Performances: Jane Levy’s Haunting Transformation
One of the standout aspects of Evil Dead (2013) is the performance of Jane Levy as Mia. Levy delivers a chilling portrayal of a woman fighting both her inner demons and a very real demonic force. Her character’s journey from a struggling addict to a possessed monster is gripping, and Levy throws herself into the role with terrifying intensity. Whether Mia is grappling with her drug withdrawal or succumbing to the malevolent spirit, Levy makes every moment believable and haunting.
Shiloh Fernandez plays Mia’s estranged brother, David, who returns home to help her through her ordeal. His character provides the emotional core of the film, as he struggles with guilt and responsibility for leaving his sister in the past. Though his performance isn’t as standout as Levy’s, Fernandez does a solid job anchoring the story.
Lou Taylor Pucci’s portrayal of Eric, the unlucky character who accidentally unleashes the evil, adds an intriguing dynamic to the film. His initial skepticism about the book and eventual realization of his mistake set up much of the film’s horror.
A New Vision of Horror: Fede Álvarez’s Direction
Fede Álvarez brings a modern vision to Evil Dead that balances reverence for the original with his own unique voice as a filmmaker. Where Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead relied on inventive low-budget effects and dark humor, Álvarez focuses on creating an unrelenting atmosphere of dread. The use of practical effects over CGI adds to the film’s gritty realism, making the violence all the more shocking. The gallons of blood, intense mutilations, and relentless pace make Evil Dead one of the goriest mainstream horror films in recent memory.
Álvarez also chose to dial back the campy humor that was present in the original, opting instead for a straight-up horror approach. This decision makes the movie feel more intense and serious, adding a psychological edge as the characters deal not only with external terrors but their inner demons as well. The film also cleverly nods to the original, with subtle references like the chainsaw and the infamous “tree assault,” while standing on its own merits as a modern horror masterpiece.
Reception and Box Office Success
Upon its release, Evil Dead (2013) received mostly positive reviews from both critics and audiences, with praise for its direction, special effects, and Levy’s performance. Many fans of the original Evil Dead appreciated the film’s homage to the original while offering something new and even more terrifying. Some critics, however, found the film’s extreme violence excessive, though this aspect was largely appreciated by fans of gore-heavy horror.
The film was a box office success, grossing over $97 million worldwide against a budget of $17 million, making it one of the highest-grossing horror remakes of the decade. Its financial success and critical reception revived interest in the Evil Dead franchise, which later led to the development of the Ash vs. Evil Dead television series.
Where to Watch Evil Dead (2013) Online in America
If you’re ready to experience the gory thrills of Evil Dead (2013), several streaming and rental services in the U.S. offer the film. Here’s where you can watch it:
1. Amazon Prime Video
Evil Dead (2013) is available for both rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Rentals typically start at $3.99 for HD quality, and the film can be purchased for around $9.99. Amazon Prime offers a user-friendly experience, making it easy to stream on various devices.
2. Apple TV
Apple TV also provides Evil Dead for rent or purchase. The rental price is usually $3.99, and purchasing the film costs about $9.99. With Apple TV, you can enjoy high-definition streaming, and the platform is great for those within the Apple ecosystem.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Movies & TV offers Evil Dead for rent starting at $3.99, with purchasing options around $9.99. If you’re an Android user or have Chromecast, this platform provides easy access to stream the movie on multiple devices.
4. Vudu
Vudu is another reliable platform where Evil Dead (2013) can be rented for $3.99 or purchased for $9.99. Vudu’s HDX quality streaming ensures a top-notch viewing experience for fans of high-quality video and audio.
5. Hulu
At the time of writing, Evil Dead (2013) is also available on Hulu for subscribers. If you already have a Hulu subscription, you can watch the film without any additional rental or purchase fees, making it a great option for horror fans with Hulu access.
Conclusion: A Blood-Soaked Masterpiece for Horror Fans
Evil Dead (2013) is a remake that succeeds in being more than just a rehash of the original. Fede Álvarez’s relentless direction, combined with Jane Levy’s terrifying performance, makes for a film that both honors its roots and delivers a fresh, horrifying experience. Its brutal gore, relentless tension, and modern-day visual effects set it apart from typical horror remakes.
Whether you’re a fan of the original Evil Dead or looking for a new horror experience, this 2013 reboot is a must-watch for anyone who loves the genre. With multiple streaming and rental platforms available, including Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Hulu, it’s never been easier to experience the terror of Evil Dead from the comfort of your home.
