Parents' Guide to Evil Dead

Movie 2013 R 91 minutes
Evil Dead Movie Poster: Woman screaming in forest, surrounded by branches, under red sky; "Evil Dead" text above.

Common Sense Media Review

Jeffrey Anderson By Jeffrey Anderson , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 17+

Gore-filled horror remake entertains but can't top original.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 17+?

Any Positive Content?

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  • 2:13
  • Evil Dead Movie: Wet-haired person with blood-streaked face and intense gaze, surrounded by branches.
  • Evil Dead Movie: Eerie figure in a white dress stands in a misty, green-lit forest.

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 17+

Based on 21 parent reviews

Parents say the film is a highly violent horror experience that features intense gore, strong language, and is not suitable for younger audiences, as many viewers found it too disturbing. While some enjoyed the action and jump scares, others criticized the acting and pacing, suggesting it may be a mixed bag for horror fans.

  •  
  • extreme violence
  • not for kids
  • strong language
  • mixed reviews
  • good jump scares
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age 16+

Based on 62 kid reviews

Kids say the movie is extremely graphic and gory, featuring over-the-top violence and strong language, making it unsuitable for children. Many viewers praised its intense plot and high-quality practical effects, although they cautioned that it is much darker and more disturbing than the original film.graphic violencestrong languageintense plotsuitable for teenspoor for childrenoutstanding effects
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What's the Story?

In EVIL DEAD, David (Shiloh Fernandez) and his girlfriend, Natalie (Elizabeth Blackmore), arrive at a remote cabin in the woods, where David's sister, Mia (Jane Levy), is going to try to kick her drug habit. Two other friends, Eric (Lou Taylor Pucci) and Olivia (Jessica Lucas), are also there to help. Tension arises around the fact that David hasn't been around lately, but things get much worse when the group finds dozens of dead cats hanging from the rafters in the basement. Then Eric finds and reads a strange-looking book, which unleashes all kinds of horrific demons into the cabin—or is it just Mia hallucinating? It's eventually up to David to find a way to put a stop to all the chaos.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 21 ):
Kids say ( 62 ):

This fresh take on Sam Raimi's The Evil Dead packs a very gory punch. At the time a newcomer from Uruguay, director Fede Alvarez was given the task of remaking one of the great classics of the horror genre, and though he can't top the original, he provides enough new ideas and energy to make Evil Dead a decent movie in its own right. To start, he turns the cabin getaway into a trip with a serious point—kicking a drug habit—rather than just a weekend party. This gives a whole new slant to the story, and the character's potential withdrawal hallucinations can be blamed for the initial horrors.

Otherwise, Alvarez seems to know where to pay tribute to the original—i.e., the use of a chainsaw, vomiting a river of blood, a light bulb filling with blood, and the appearance of a 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88. Alvarez also tries to keep the kinetic, frenzied horror from the original, though he makes it a bit darker and less comical. But he also knows where to depart, with his new characters, their relationships, and their particular problems.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Evil Dead's violence and gore. Why do you think the filmmakers went so over the top with it? What effect does it have? Why?

  • Is the movie scary? What would make it scarier, or less scary?

  • How does this movie compare to the original? Why do you think so many horror movies get remade? Is this one better or worse than other remakes you've seen? Why?

  • The setup centers on main character Mia trying to quit her drug addiction. Is she a sympathetic character? Why, or why not? How is her addiction used as an integral part of the storyline? Where might you turn if you or someone you know was struggling with addiction?

Movie Details

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Evil Dead Movie Poster: Woman screaming in forest, surrounded by branches, under red sky; "Evil Dead" text above.

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