The Evil Dead franchise has been a cult classic in the horror genre for decades, and it looks like it’s set to continue with the upcoming release of Evil Dead Rise. The latest clip from the film promises plenty of gore, scares, and a return to the franchise’s most iconic and terrifying antagonist, the Book of the Dead.

In the new clip, we see a group of characters investigating a mysterious book that appears to have a malevolent influence over them. The camera lingers over the pages of the book, which are filled with ominous symbols and images of demons and monsters. As the characters delve deeper into the book’s mysteries, they begin to experience strange and terrifying phenomena, including hallucinations and physical transformations.

What’s most striking about the clip is how effectively it captures the atmosphere and tone of the original Evil Dead films. Director Lee Cronin has clearly taken inspiration from Sam Raimi’s groundbreaking horror movies, which were celebrated for their innovative use of camera techniques, practical effects, and over-the-top gore.

Cronin’s approach seems to be a respectful homage to the original series, rather than a blatant attempt to cash in on its popularity. The clip is filled with callbacks and references to the previous films, including the infamous “Necronomicon Ex-Mortis” (the full name of the Book of the Dead), which has been a recurring element of the franchise since its inception.

Of course, no discussion of Evil Dead would be complete without a mention of the film’s iconic protagonist, Ash Williams. Bruce Campbell’s chainsaw-wielding hero has become synonymous with the franchise, and many fans were disappointed to learn that he would not be returning for Evil Dead Rise.

However, the new clip suggests that Cronin has found a way to make the franchise work without Ash. The focus appears to be on a new set of characters, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses, who must band together to survive the horrors unleashed by the Book of the Dead.

This approach feels like a natural evolution for the franchise. While Ash was undeniably a beloved character, he was also something of a one-note joke by the time the last film in the original series, Army of Darkness, was released. By shifting the focus to a new cast of characters, Cronin has the opportunity to explore different aspects of the Evil Dead universe and tell new and exciting stories.

One thing that does remain consistent is the franchise’s commitment to practical effects. The clip is filled with gruesome imagery, including rotting corpses, severed limbs, and writhing tentacles, all of which appear to have been created using traditional practical techniques rather than CGI.

This commitment to practical effects is something that has always set Evil Dead apart from other horror franchises. While CGI can be effective in certain contexts, there’s something undeniably visceral and tactile about seeing a monster or a gore effect created in real time, with real materials and actors.

Ultimately, the new clip from Evil Dead Rise promises a return to the classic horror of the original films, while also offering something new and fresh for fans of the franchise. It’s clear that Cronin is a filmmaker who understands what makes Evil Dead so special, and is committed to delivering a worthy addition to the series.

Whether Evil Dead Rise will be able to capture the same lightning in a bottle as the original films remains to be seen. However, if the new clip is any indication, fans of the franchise are in for a wild ride filled with blood, guts, and plenty of demonic mayhem.