Program Note
Two estranged sisters, vagabond, Beth, and single mother of three, Ellie, are reunited after a long time. However, their reunion is cut short when an earthquake strikes the apartment and reveals a tomb, in which Ellie’s kids find the book of the dead and a vinyl record capable of releasing evil supernatural power. Mayhem follows, with transformations that set good against evil within the family and, eventually, all mankind. A triumphant update of the Evil Dead franchise. With an extra helping of gore and violence to balance the genuine scares and campness, Lee Cronin’s Evil Dead Rise puts audiences on the edge of their seats, starting from an impressive opening sequence and never letting up from its nonstop craziness. Set in an inner-city apartment, rater than a forest, Lee carries the essence of the original films, while introducing a new heroine in Beth, wonderfully played by Lily Sullivan. The future looks bright for this beloved horror franchise! (Jongsuk Thomas NAM)