Evil Dead II: A Detailed Description
Overview
Evil Dead II is a 1987 American horror-comedy film directed by Sam Raimi, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Scott Spiegel. The film is the second installment in the Evil Dead series and is known for its blend of horror and comedy elements. It stars Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams, the protagonist who finds himself battling demonic forces in a secluded cabin.
Storyline
The movie begins with Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) and his girlfriend, Linda (Denise Bixler), taking a romantic getaway to a seemingly abandoned cabin in the woods. While in the cabin, Ash plays a tape of archaeologist Raymond Knowby (John Peaks) reciting passages from the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, an ancient tome that unleashes an unseen evil force, known as the Kandarian Demon. This incantation kills and possesses Linda, turning her into a deadite.
Ash decapitates Linda with a shovel and buries her in a shallow grave near the cabin. At dawn, the evil force throws Ash through the woods, and he briefly becomes possessed by the demon. However, when day breaks, he is inexplicably returned to normal.
The story continues with the arrival of four new strangers: Annie Knowby (Sarah Berry), Jake (Dan Hicks), Bobby Joe (Kassie Wesley DePaiva), and Ed (Richard Domeier). They listen to the rest of Knowby’s recording, detailing his wife Henrietta’s possession by the Kandarian Demon. Ash dismembers Ed with an axe after he becomes possessed by Henrietta.
As the night progresses, more chaos ensues. Bobby Joe attempts to escape through the woods but is dragged to her death by demonically possessed trees. Ash becomes possessed once more and attacks Jake. Annie translates two pages of the Necronomicon before Jake throws them into the cellar at gunpoint. Ash’s hand, which had been severed earlier, reanimates and attacks Annie.
Henrietta kills Jake, and deadite Ash tries to kill Annie but returns to his normal self upon seeing Linda’s necklace. The film’s climax features Ash and his Oldsmobile landing in the Middle Ages, where he is mistaken for a hero by a group of knights. Realizing he was the hero prophesied in the book, Ash breaks down in anguish.
Cast and Crew
Director: Sam Raimi
Screenplay: Sam Raimi, Scott Spiegel
Producer: Robert Tapert
Starring:
Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams
Sarah Berry as Annie Knowby
Dan Hicks as Jake
Kassie Wesley DePaiva as Bobby Joe
Denise Bixler as Linda
Ted Raimi as Possessed Henrietta
John Peaks as Professor Knowby
Richard Domeier as Professor Ed Getley
Lou Hancock as Henrietta Knowby
Production Details
Production Company: Renaissance Pictures, De Laurentiis Entertainment Group
Distributor: Rosebud Releasing Corporation
Release Date: March 13, 1987 (theatrical), October 2, 2013 (streaming)
Runtime: 84 minutes
Budget: $3.5 million
Box Office: $5.9 million
Special Effects and Makeup
The film features extensive stop-motion animation and prosthetic makeup effects created by a team of artists including Mark Shostrom, Greg Nicotero, Robert Kurtzman, and Tom Sullivan. These effects were crucial in bringing the demonic characters to life and adding to the film’s horror-comedy elements.
Reception and Legacy
Evil Dead II was widely acclaimed by critics for its humor, Raimi’s direction, and Campbell’s performance. Many consider it superior to its predecessor and one of the greatest horror films ever made. Despite being given a somewhat limited release, it was a minor box office success, grossing just under $6 million.
Movie Posters and Artwork
The movie posters for Evil Dead II are iconic in the horror-comedy genre. They often feature Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams in various states of disarray, with bloodied and possessed limbs, and demonic entities lurking in the background. The artwork typically includes bold colors and grotesque imagery, which have become synonymous with the film’s over-the-top style.
Fans can find various forms of merchandise related to the film, including framed prints and canvas prints of the movie posters. These items are highly sought after by collectors and fans of the franchise, offering a unique way to display their love for the film.
Availability
Evil Dead II is available to rent or buy on various streaming platforms such as Fandango at Home, Prime Video, and Apple TV. It can also be purchased on DVD or Blu-ray discs, making it accessible to both new and old fans of the series.
Impact on Horror Genre
The film’s impact on the horror genre cannot be overstated. It has influenced numerous other horror-comedies and has been cited as an inspiration by many filmmakers. The blend of horror and comedy elements has become a staple in modern horror cinema, with many films attempting to replicate the success of Evil Dead II.
Conclusion
Evil Dead II is a masterclass in blending horror and comedy, with a standout performance from Bruce Campbell and exceptional direction from Sam Raimi. The film’s influence on the horror genre is evident, and its iconic movie posters continue to be celebrated by fans worldwide. Whether you prefer to watch it on streaming platforms or own a framed print of the poster, Evil Dead II remains a must-see for anyone interested in horror-comedy films.
