Movie review & comparison: Evil Dead

Modern brutality vs. raw cult classic

Brief information

• Title: Evil Dead
• Year of publication: 2013
• Directed by Fede Álvarez
• Genre: Horror · Splatter · Occult
• Reference: Reboot / Reinterpretation of the classic The Evil Dead
• Iconic character from the original: Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams

Plot

The remake also takes place in a remote forest cabin where the Necronomicon is unleashed.
In contrast to the original, the focus is more on physical horror, trauma and addiction – less on improvised chaos, more on consistent escalation .

Atmosphere – the biggest difference

Evil Dead (2013)

• extremely dark & ​​serious

• high graphic brutality

• depressive, hopeless mood

• The forest seems hostile, almost apocalyptic.

• modern horror aesthetic , uncompromising, nihilistic

The Evil Dead (1981)

• raw, chaotic, claustrophobic
• experimental camera movements
• minimalist means
• Madness instead of perfection

DIY horror with occult paranoia , unique in its time.

Comparison: Style & Impact

Bruce Campbell & the Soul of the Original

The biggest emotional difference lies in the absence of Ash Williams .
Bruce Campbell's portrayal in the original brings a human breaking point to the horror: fear, being overwhelmed, and later, black humor.

The 2013 film deliberately avoids this irony – it does not want to entertain, but to wear down .

This makes it more effective for modern audiences, but less iconic.

Occult context & Gothic reference

Both films share:

• Forbidden books (Necronomicon)

• Obsession & Dehumanization

• Isolation as an amplifier of horror

But:

• 1981 → Occultism as incalculable chaos

• 2013 → Occultism as ritualized, inescapable damnation

Both are relevant to Gothic and Dark Art aesthetics, but with different emotional effects.

Conclusion

“Evil Dead” (2013) is not a replacement for the original – but a radical reinterpretation.
Where the classic is raw, creative and iconic, the reboot focuses on technical perfection and extreme consistency .

Those seeking atmosphere, madness, and cult status should go for the original.
Those who want modern, uncompromising horror will find a merciless experience in the reboot.

Evaluation:

• Evil Dead (2013): 8/10 – brutal & effective

• The Evil Dead (1981) : 10/10 – timeless cult classic