Evil Dead Burn Review
Evil Dead Returns Bloodier Than Ever
The Book of the Dead is back—and this time, it brings the franchise’s most savage nightmare yet.
The Evil Dead franchise has never been known for restraint, but Evil Dead Burn (2026) pushes the series into even darker territory. Directed by French filmmaker Sébastien Vaniček, the sixth instalment abandons much of the slapstick humour that made Sam Raimi’s original trilogy iconic, instead delivering a relentless, brutal horror experience built around grief, family trauma and the unstoppable terror of the Deadites.
The story follows Alice (Souheila Yacoub), who, after the death of her husband, retreats to the isolated home of her in-laws hoping to find comfort. Instead, a family gathering becomes a living nightmare when the Necronomicon unleashes demonic forces that begin possessing family members one by one. As loved ones transform into bloodthirsty Deadites, Alice must fight not only to survive but also to confront the emotional scars that brought her there in the first place.
Souheila Yacoub delivers a compelling lead performance, grounding the film’s supernatural chaos with genuine emotional vulnerability. Hunter Doohan is equally effective as Joseph, while Tandi Wright, Luciane Buchanan, George Pullar, Erroll Shand and Maude Davey all contribute to an ensemble that feels believable before descending into terrifying madness.
Where Evil Dead Burn truly excels is its practical effects. The gore is extreme, inventive and often stomach-churning, staying true to the franchise’s reputation for outrageous horror. Director Vaniček creates several unforgettable set pieces that horror fans will be talking about for years. The cinematography is atmospheric, the sound design relentlessly unsettling, and the Deadites themselves remain among cinema’s most frightening monsters.
However, the film’s greatest strength is also its biggest weakness. The relentless brutality leaves very little room to breathe. Unlike Evil Dead II or Army of Darkness, humour is almost entirely absent, replaced by a bleak tone that some viewers may find exhausting. While the emotional themes surrounding domestic abuse and family trauma add weight to the story, they occasionally overshadow the fun that longtime fans associate with the series. Critics have been divided, with many praising the practical effects while questioning whether the franchise has become too grim.
For Australian horror fans who appreciate uncompromising gore and intense supernatural thrills, Evil Dead Burn delivers exactly what its title promises. It may not surpass Raimi’s classics, but it successfully carves out its own identity as the franchise’s nastiest and most vicious chapter.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
Evil Dead Burn is a savage, expertly crafted horror film packed with gruesome practical effects and strong performances. While its relentless darkness won’t appeal to everyone, horror enthusiasts will find plenty to admire.
