“Evil Dead Burn,” directed by Sébastien Vaniček, opens with a lake setting and follows a similar theme to its predecessors, with a demonically possessed character, Jessica (Greta van den Brink), who brutally murders two young men. This sequel reflects on horror tropes, notably the stereotype of non-white characters being the first to die, while introducing Alice (Souheila Yacoub) as the final girl. Alice, a mixed-race French woman, faces alienation from her predominantly white family.
The catalyst for the horror occurs when Will Price (George Pullar) crashes his car into Jessica while driving drunk, causing a series of events that lead his family to gather at their secluded vacation home for his funeral. As they confront their grief, they become possessed by Deadites seeking a hidden artefact belonging to Will’s grandfather, which could banish them back to Hell. The film explores familial dysfunction and repressed violence, intertwining psychological and supernatural elements.
Vaniček’s screenplay, co-written with Florent Bernard, delivers on classic horror expectations with tense camerawork, inventive weaponry, and moments balancing horror and humor. “Evil Dead Burn” includes nods to classic horror films, ensuring it satisfies fans while presenting a fresh take on the franchise. Currently, it is showing in UK cinemas.
