Evil Dead II (1987): Sam Raimi’s devilish chaos
1987 • Sam Raimi • 1.85:1 • Jump to Gallery ↓
Widely regarded as one of the defining examples of horror-comedy cinema, Evil Dead II sees director Sam Raimi refine the stylistic experimentation that defined the original film. Although it is technically a sequel, the opening section is a condensed reimagining of The Evil Dead, setting up the premise before continuing the story. Once again, Ash Williams travels with his girlfriend to a remote cabin in the woods. After playing a tape recording of passages from the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, supernatural forces are unleashed. Ash becomes trapped in the cabin as demonic entities begin to possess people and objects alike.
The film is renowned for its aggressive camera techniques, many of which would become hallmarks of Raimi’s style: rapid tracking shots through the forest, low-angle rushing POV shots representing demonic forces, sudden crash zooms, and exaggerated whip pans. The camera often behaves as an active participant in the action, immersing the viewer in a cabin environment that becomes progressively more distorted as the supernatural influence intensifies.
The production relies heavily on practical effects, including stop-motion animation, prosthetic make-up, and mechanical rigs used to animate possessed objects. Many of these effects are staged with precise comedic timing, merging splatter horror with slapstick comedy. The editing reinforces the film’s chaotic and kinetic rhythm, anchored by Bruce Campbell’s highly physical performance. This cemented Ash Williams’ status as one of the most recognisable unlikely heroes in horror cinema.
Technical Specs:
- The Story: A young man and his girlfriend unwittingly unleash demonic forces when they play a mysterious tape in a remote cabin, leading to a delirious night of horror, possession, and slapstick mayhem. Read my review of Evil Dead II.
- Actors: Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Dan Hicks, Kassie Wesley DePaiva, Ted Raimi.
- Director: Sam Raimi
- Year: 1987
- Cinematographer: Peter Deming
- Origin: American Cinema
- Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
- Genre: Horror & Supernatural
