Fede Alvarez’s Evil Dead proved to be one of the most sharply divisive horror films released this year. The gore-fest ranked at a somewhat scanty 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, which does not always mean much. It does show that not everyone was on board for the visceral violence though.
Our own Matt Donato thought it was pretty spectacular; other critics not so much. It definitely delivered what was promised: lots of gore, lots of blood, and extreme violence enough to justify a pretty committed R-rating. Today you can decide for yourself if Evil Dead is worth the home video purchase by watching the first ten minutes for free.
The film establishes its tone from the get-go – and it’s a long way from the edgie camp that characterized the original Sam Raimi film. We have a flashback of sorts, and then are introduced to our lead Mia (Jane Levy). This Evil Dead has its own attractions beyond a comparison to the original, especially if you like gore done really disgustingly well. I’d rather not reveal just what happens in the beginning, but … you are going to have to prove you’re over 18 before you can watch the clip. Just saying.
Though critics were largely divided on Evil Dead, horror fans seemed to like it a great deal. It is not quite fair to compare it to the original film, either, which stands in its own realm of horror-camp. The clip is a great taster for those who had not yet made up their minds about it. If you can’t handle it though, then you probably don’t want to see the movie. Many forms of NSFW.
You can watch the first ten minutes of Evil Dead below and make up your own mind. Like it? Love it? Going to avoid it like the plague? Let us know in the comments.
Evil Dead comes to DVD and Blu-Ray tomorrow, July 16th.
