‘Evil Dead Burn’ Delivers Gory Spectacle on HBO Max

The undead franchise continues with the release of ‘Evil Dead Burn’ on HBO Max, the sixth film in the series. Directed by Sebastien Vanicek, known for his earlier film ‘Infested,’ the movie sees Sam Raimi return as a producer, entrusting the directorial reins to a new filmmaker.

‘Evil Dead Burn’ introduces audiences to the franchise's signature Deadites, a variation on traditional zombies, with a story centered on a toxic family dynamic that escalates into supernatural horror. The plot follows Will, who, after a drunken car accident involving a Deadite, is killed. This event triggers a chain reaction as the malevolent forces, connected to an occultist grandfather and the Necronomicon, seek a dagger that can prevent their destruction. The film depicts Deadites converting victims in increasingly gruesome ways.

Reviews suggest that while the film prioritizes extreme gore—including blood, mucus, brains, and viscera—and features intense, well-choreographed action sequences with impressive practical effects, it may fall short on character development and nuanced storytelling. The film has been described as a "blecch fugue" that is "nasty nasty nasty." Some critics note that any deeper thematic explorations, such as domestic violence or grief, are overshadowed by the relentless onscreen carnage.

Souheila Yacoub stars as Alice, the film’s capable "femme finale." The movie draws comparisons to other graphically violent horror films like ‘Lee Cronin’s The Mummy.’ Despite its relentless brutality, ‘Evil Dead Burn’ is characterized as "yucky fun" for those who appreciate its specific brand of horror.

The film is available on HBO Max. It is considered by some critics to be the sixth-best entry in the ‘Evil Dead’ franchise.