The pre-credits sequence, which features slashed scalps, decapitated skulls, and an ominous figure rising from a lake to form the title card, will astound viewers. After an homage to Sam Raimi's horror franchise's conventional setup, the picture shifts to an urban high-rise in Los Angeles. As a result, you now have a stand-alone Evil Dead volume. The reboot sequel to Fede lvarez's 2013 film maintains the gore, bloodshed, jumpscares, and savagery that deadites are known for unleashing on their victims. In this situation, Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland), her three children Danny (Morgan Davies), Bridget (Gabrielle Echols), and Kassie (Nell Fisher), as well as an estranged sister Beth (Lily Sullivan), are dealing with an unwelcome pregnancy.

The film doesn't waste time getting down to the business of demonic possession and the frantic struggle to survive. If lvarez's directorial debut was merciless in terms of gore and violence, writer-director Lee Cronin takes it up a notch. The decaying make-up, mutilated limbs, close-up pictures of savagery, retching, and all the slaughter would make even the strongest stomach churn. Everything is so real that one would turn away in horror. A passage glimpsed via a peephole and one of the kids turning into a monster and swallowing a wine glass are just two examples of the outstanding practical and special effects and outré camerawork on display here.

Alyssa Sutherland excels as a loving mother and sister. But she nails the possessed scenes, complete with jerky movements and lethal expressions. The stark contrast is uncanny. Lily Sullivan, as a guitar technician, is frequently dismissed as a groupie, and Gabrielle Echols gives outstanding performances.

Fans of the franchise will appreciate the numerous references to earlier volumes and other great horror films, such as chainsaws (The Evil Dead, 1981) and other sharp items, all the hacking, and blood floods (Shining). At 99 minutes, the film is fast-paced and never slows down. The filming is shockingly real, which gives realism regardless of how intellectually far-fetched you know it is, and that is the genius of it all. Even still, one cannot help but note the narrative's lack of substance. After a while, all the blood and gore becomes tedious, and you want for some relief in the shape of plot content.

Because the tale and backdrop are independent to the previous portions, new viewers can get on board and yet have a context. Ardent Gorefest aficionados will rejoice, but if bloodshed and filthy scenes aren't your thing, stay away. Be cautious. It's quite graphic.