Movie review: Evil Dead (Dance of the Devils)
Cult horror between occultism, madness & splatter
Brief information
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Original title: The Evil Dead
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German title: Dance of the Devils
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Year of publication: 1981
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Directed by Sam Raimi
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Lead actor: Bruce Campbell
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Genre: Horror · Splatter · Occult
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FSK (DE): long indexed / censored (original version cult status)
Plot
A group of young people spend a weekend in a remote cabin in the woods. There they stumble upon the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis , a demonic book whose recitation unleashes an ancient, evil power. What follows is not a classic horror film, but a descent into madness, possession, and brutal consequences .
Atmosphere & Style
“Evil Dead” is raw, uncompromising, and deeply disturbing.
Instead of high gloss, the film focuses on:
The cabin in the woods becomes an occult trap , the forest itself a living enemy. It is precisely this raw staging that makes the film so effective even today.
Occult symbolism
The film is deeply permeated with occult motifs , making it particularly relevant for Gothic and dark art fans:
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Forbidden books (Necronomicon)
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Obsession & Dehumanization
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Isolation as a psychological element
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the body as a vessel of foreign powers
Not romantic occultism, but brutal, existential darkness .
Bruce Campbell as Ash
Bruce Campbell portrays Ash Williams here not yet as an ironic hero, but as an increasingly broken survivor .
His portrayal fluctuates between fear, madness, and desperate resistance – one reason why the character later achieved cult status.
Significance & Influence
"Evil Dead" is now considered:
- A milestone of independent horror
- Blueprint for splatter and cabin horror
- Inspiration for Dark Art, Metal, Gothic & Occult aesthetics
Many later works – from horror films to album covers – consciously draw on his visual language.
Conclusion
“Evil Dead / Dance of the Devils” is not a pleasant film – and that is exactly what makes it great.
It's raw, nihilistic, occult, and uncompromising. Essential viewing for fans of Gothic, dark art, and classic horror.
Rating: 9/10 – an uncompromising cult classic
