Mark Kermode reviews Evil Dead Burn

Overview

Mark Kermode reviews Evil Dead Burn (the latest entry in the Evil Dead franchise). He argues that, although it’s more “nastily” violent than previous installments, it fails to capture what made the earlier films special: a blend of genuine horror and lively, slapstick, celebratory fun.

Franchise Context

Kermode places the film within the wider series, referencing:

• The original trilogy: Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, Army of Darkness
• The more serious reboot films by:
  • Fede Alvarez
  • Lee Cronin

He praises the franchise’s iconic taglines—“every family has its demons” and “family is the root of all evil”—but says the movie doesn’t live up to that promise.

Plot Setup (as described)

The film begins with a reunion “from hell” following the death of a mother’s son. A family gathers in a secluded house, which triggers the return of the devil and gradually turns members into deadites.

Kermode points to trailer-like beats, including a character invoking the “book of the dead” and the notion of getting everyone together again.

Main Criticism: Tone and Emotion

Kermode’s central issue is emotional and tonal. Even though the film is loud, crowded with characters and plot, and contains plenty of wicked on-screen violence, he feels it lands as:

• ugly
• grimy
• depressing

He says the aesthetics push too far into “torture porn” territory—using grimy sludge visuals (green/brown) as a metaphor—and he mourns the loss of Evil Dead’s signature slapstick wit and joyful energy.

What still works (according to Kermode)

He does acknowledge a few nods and technical/creative touches, such as:

• Shots reminiscent of the original’s plank-running camerawork
• Physically inventive direction (e.g., gravity/“bodied-smashing” effects)

But he argues these are exceptions rather than the film’s defining spirit.

Specific Example: Stairlift Humor

Kermode calls out one comedic set piece—an old woman and a stairlift—as genuinely funny.

However, he frames it as a rare moment of real humor. Beyond that, he finds the violence “icky” rather than playful, and the horror neither scary nor hilarious—just relentless.

Comparison to Earlier Evil Dead Moments

Kermode contrasts the film with what made earlier entries both terrifying and comedic, including a standout moment where a character with white eyes calmly says, “We’re going to get you.”

In Evil Dead Burn, he says the characters mostly yell and scream, resulting in a film that is neither:

• “terrifying and hilarious”
• entertaining

Ending Impression

By the end, Kermode admits he went in hoping to be delighted, but felt “dispirited.”

Even when the distributor asks whether he enjoyed it, Kermode gives a clear “No.”

Notable Highlights / Jokes

• Kermode jokes about the franchise’s origins, likening the reboot-era style to “the Three Stooges with blood and guts.”
• He compares the film’s vibe to wanting to “headbang,” contrasting it with other horror posters that promise fun (e.g., Drag Me to Hell, Send Help)—but says Evil Dead Burn doesn’t deliver that enjoyment.
• The stairlift scene is singled out as a rare instance of real humor.
• He uses an exaggerated chain of “spooky but not funny” imagery to emphasize that the violence feels unpleasant rather than entertaining.

Main Takeaway

Kermode concludes that while Evil Dead Burn is louder, nastier, and visually brutal, it lacks the core Evil Dead ingredient—slapstick wit and joyous energy—leaving him bored, annoyed, and ultimately emotionally drained.

Personalities Mentioned

• Mark Kermode (reviewer)
• Sebastian Vanichek (director/co-writer)
• Bob Tappet (producer)
• Sam Ramy (producer; quoted)
• Fede Alvarez (director of the Evil Dead reboot)
• Lee Cronin (director of Evil Dead Rise)
• James Ferman (historical BBFC/approval-era figure mentioned)