Evil Dead Burn (2026) | Film Review
- Adam Williams
- 10 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Following the success of Evil Dead Rise, expectations for Evil Dead Burn were understandably high. The Evil Dead franchise has earned its place as one of horror's most consistently excellent series, with every film offering something unique while still embracing the blood-soaked chaos fans expect. Even Ash vs Evil Dead managed to capture the spirit of the originals while carving out its own identity.
That's exactly why Burn ends up being something of a disappointment.
Don't get me wrong – this isn't a bad film by any stretch. Far from it. There's still plenty here to enjoy, and as a standalone horror film it's entertaining enough. The problem is that it's carrying the Evil Dead name, and with that comes a standard that previous entries have consistently met. Unfortunately for me, this latest chapter never quite reaches those same heights.
From a technical standpoint, there's a lot to admire. The cinematography is often excellent (for the most part), with several sequences that genuinely stand out as some of the film's strongest moments. The editing is similarly impressive for much of the runtime (that mirror scene transition was borderline sexual), creating a frantic energy that complements the carnage on screen.
However, some of the stylistic choices are leaned on a little too heavily. Techniques that initially feel inventive begin to lose their impact through repetition, and what starts as visually striking eventually becomes predictable.
Perhaps the biggest issue is that the film never feels visually consistent. Comparing the first half to the latter stages almost feels like watching two different films stitched together. The tonal and stylistic shifts are so noticeable that they create a disconnect rather than a natural evolution of the story. Bit of a shame really.
Thankfully, when it comes to the gore, Evil Dead Burn absolutely delivers.
The practical effects and make-up work are exactly what fans would hope for. Brutal, messy and unapologetically excessive, the special effects remain firmly in keeping with the franchise's legacy.
The Deadites are as brutal, nasty and grotesque as ever, and the film never shies away from delivering the outrageous violence that has become synonymous with Evil Dead! Couple that with some genuinely fantastic set pieces and energetic action sequences, and there's no denying that the filmmakers know how to stage horror on a grand scale.
The cast also put in strong performances across the board. No one feels out of place, and everyone commits to the material. That said, I never found myself particularly invested in many of the characters. I don't think that's a fault of the performances themselves, but rather the writing and direction.
Evil Dead Burn (2026) | Film Review
The emotional beats rarely land with the weight they're aiming for, making it difficult to become fully attached before the next wave of carnage inevitably arrives. I know the carnage is what Deadite fans out there are in their seats for, but I don’t feel the previous entries sacrificed character investment or narrative for it like this did.
One of the more surprising issues is just how polished the film feels. At times, Evil Dead Burn comes across as almost too sleek and overly stylised. While there's nothing inherently wrong with a visually refined horror film, it feels somewhat at odds with what has traditionally made Evil Dead so effective.
The franchise has always balanced creativity with a raw, grimy intensity, whereas Burn occasionally feels more concerned with looking stylish than feeling visceral. I admire Vaniček for trying something different, but it didn’t work for me.
Pacing is another area where the film struggles. The opening hour drags far more than it should, with the story taking an unnecessarily long time to get moving. The first two-thirds could easily have been tightened considerably without losing anything important. Once everything finally kicks into gear, the film becomes far more engaging, but by that point it has already spent too much time meandering through an overly convoluted and disjointed narrative.
Ironically, the final act showcases exactly the film I wanted to see from the beginning. The energy ramps up, the horror becomes more relentless, and the action sequences are among the best the franchise has produced. It's just a shame it takes so long to get there.
Ultimately, Evil Dead Burn is a solid horror film and an enjoyable enough addition to the franchise. It's well made, packed with impressive practical effects, memorable set pieces and moments that remind you why this series remains one of horror's finest.
Unfortunately, it's also an entry that never feels as focused or as confident as its predecessors. Where previous Evil Dead films thrived on tight pacing, memorable characters and relentless momentum, Burn often feels overcomplicated, stylistically inconsistent and slower than it needed to be.
It's still worth watching, especially for long-time fans, but in a franchise with such an incredibly high batting average, this ends up feeling like one of its weaker outings rather than another instant classic. Oh, and no spoilers, but you’ll want to stay for the entirety of the end credits – you can thank me later.
Evil Dead Burn is out now.
