Evil Dead Burn (2026) – A Blood-Soaked Family Reunion from Hell
Evil Dead Burn is one of those movies that starts with horror, ends with horror, and everything in between is just blood, horror, and scenes that genuinely made me feel disgusted—which, as a horror fan, I mean as a compliment. Some of the horror moments are also truly shocking, the kind that stick with you after the credits roll. It's a wild, nasty ride that knows exactly what it is, and for the most part, it delivers.
Starring Souheila Yacoub as a young widow seeking solace with her in-laws, this supernatural horror film is directed by Sébastien Vanicek and produced by Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert. It serves as a sequel to Evil Dead Rise (2023) and is the sixth installment in the Evil Dead franchise. It earned a 7/10 from me. Let's descend into the details.
Evil Dead Burn (2026) - The Plot: From Grief to Deadites
After the loss of her husband, a woman seeks solace with her in-laws in their secluded family home. What should be a time of mourning and healing quickly turns into a nightmare as one by one, the family members are transformed into Deadites. The gathering becomes a "family reunion from hell," and she comes to discover that the vows she took in life survive even in death. No spoilers here, but the film takes the familiar Evil Dead formula—isolated location, demonic possession, relentless carnage—and cranks it up with a fresh family dynamic that makes the horror feel personal. The secluded house setting works perfectly for the claustrophobic dread the franchise is known for, and the transformation of loved ones into monsters adds an emotional layer to the bloodshed.
The Horror and the Gore
This is where Evil Dead Burn really shines—or should I say, where it really bleeds. The film is unapologetically savage. From the opening moments to the final act, it's a relentless assault of blood, gore, and demonic mayhem. There were scenes that genuinely disgusted me, and I mean that in the best possible way. As part of horror, that's exactly what you want. Some of the horror scenes are also shocking, delivering jolts that caught me off guard even as a seasoned horror viewer. The practical effects and makeup work on the Deadites are top-notch, continuing the franchise's tradition of visceral, tangible horror. The sound design amplifies every squelch, crack, and scream, making the experience feel immersive and intense. If you're here for the gore, you will not be disappointed.
What Worked and What Didn't
What I really liked about this film is its commitment to the franchise's roots while still trying something new. The family angle adds emotional stakes that make the horror hit harder. Souheila Yacoub delivers a strong performance as the grieving widow turned survivor, carrying the emotional weight of the film effectively. The pacing is tight at 1h 50m, and the film rarely lets up once the chaos begins. However, there were moments where I felt the film could have leaned even more into the psychological horror of watching loved ones turn into monsters. The emotional beats sometimes get overshadowed by the relentless gore, and I think there was room to explore the grief and betrayal aspects more deeply. That said, these are minor gripes in an otherwise solid horror experience.
Ratings and Critical Reception
IMDb: 6.3/10 from 45,000 votes
RT: 71% critics (205 reviews) / 74% audience
The film grossed $72.3 million worldwide on a $20 million budget, making it a commercial success. Critics gave it generally positive reviews, and audiences seem to agree. The IMDb score is a bit lower than I'd expect, but horror films often get review-bombed or rated harshly by general audiences. I think my 7/10 aligns well with the critical consensus—it's a good, gnarly horror film that delivers on its promises, even if it doesn't reinvent the wheel.
A Minor Critique
If I had to point out one flaw, it's that the film sometimes prioritizes shock value over emotional depth. The grief angle is introduced well, but as the blood starts flying, the emotional resonance gets a bit lost in the carnage. I wanted more moments of quiet dread and psychological torment to balance out the chaos. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's something that could have elevated the film from good to great.
A Bloody Gem for Horror Fans
At 7/10, Evil Dead Burn is a gripping, gruesome addition to the Evil Dead franchise that horror fans will eat up. It's not for the faint of heart—if you can't handle heavy gore and disturbing imagery, steer clear. But if you're a fan of the franchise or just love a good, nasty horror film, dive in. It sparked a renewed appreciation for practical effects and the power of visceral horror for me. The film knows what it is and embraces it fully, delivering a bloody, shocking, and unforgettable experience.
What did you think of Evil Dead Burn? Did the family horror angle land for you, or did the relentless gore wear thin? Drop your thoughts in the comments. If you enjoyed this post, please share.
See also My full list of 2026 movie reviews →
