The Evil Dead (1981 version)

THE EVIL DEAD (1981 version)

A brutal, intense, and gripping horror film that takes place primarily in and around an isolated cabin in the mountains over the course of one harrowing night, The Evil Dead follows five young adults (Ash, Scotty, Linda, Cheryl, and Shelly) as they unwittingly unleash dark and murderous forces.  The characters arrive at the cabin and discover a cellar full of assorted detritus including a book bound in human flesh that contains disturbing illustrations inked in blood along with text in an ancient language.  They also find an old tape recorder and listen to the reel thereon, which reveals the origin of the book and its intended purpose.  The recording also includes spoken translations of some of the text, and once these are played all hell breaks loose.  Cheryl becomes possessed (her eyes become ghastly, and her flesh tone changes as she screeches in an awful voice).  She attacks the others and gets knocked down into the cellar.  Scotty chains its door in the floor so she can’t escape.  Linda then inexplicably takes a nap (as if anyone could sleep after watching a friend transform into a monster) while the others stand guard.  Shelly heads into another room and screams.  She too becomes possessed, and a wild brawl with Ash and Scotty ends with the demonic Shelly being dismembered by an axe.  The guys bury her outside.  Scotty vows to get the hell out of there by any means necessary and takes off.  Ash goes back inside, where Linda becomes possessed and giggles incessantly.  Scotty reappears and reports that the foliage and trees prevented his escape (earlier, the viewer sees vines and branches attack one of the ladies).  To discuss the plot from this point on would be to rob you of the joy of discovering the film’s third act surprises on your own, but I will reveal that Ash survives until morning and heads out of the cabin seemingly victorious, at least until the final few seconds.

The Evil Dead is not a flawless film (Scotty moves with little urgency when Shelly screams in another room, and Linda somehow sleeps through the loud noises when Ash and Scotty fight the possessed Shelly), but it is close.  Perfectly-paced and full of practical special effects that look better than modern computer-generated imagery, this film is essential viewing for fans of the horror genre.  I last watched this gem on VHS in 1998, and I’m delighted to have now revisited it on Blu-ray.  I’m curious to see the remake (slated for release in 2013), which hopefully will serve as a gateway to allow a new generation of fans to discover this 1981 version too.  Chilling and dark, The Evil Dead remains breathtaking over three decades after its initial release.