Evil Dead Burn review roundup: a brutal, gory family nightmare that splits horror critics
Evil Dead Burn, the latest film in Sam Raimi's horror franchise, traps a grieving widow with her in-laws as the family turns into Deadites. Critics are divided between those who loved its savage, inventive gore and those who found it grim and punishing.
The story (no spoilers)
After the death of her husband, Alice (Souheila Yacoub) goes to stay with his family at their secluded home, hoping to find some comfort among the people who loved him.
Instead the visit turns into a family reunion from hell, as an ancient evil takes hold and her in-laws are turned, one by one, into Deadites. Hunter Doohan, Tandi Wright and Luciane Buchanan co-star.
Where to watch or download
Links go to official services only. Streaming services let subscribers download titles in their app to watch offline, on supported plans; stores let you buy a copy to download and keep. Availability differs by country and changes over time (checked 18 October 2026). ElysiumHub does not host files or link to unofficial downloads.
The verdict
Worth watching for horror fans with strong stomachs who enjoyed Evil Dead Rise, and it is now streaming on HBO Max. If you prefer the slapstick of the early Evil Dead films, critics warn this one is far bleaker.
- 70%Rotten TomatoesTomatometer, 211 reviews, 18 Oct 2026
- 54MetacriticMetascore, 36 critic reviews, 18 Oct 2026
- 74%RT audiencePopcornmeter, 2,500+ verified ratings, 18 Oct 2026
What critics say
“It's not the best 'Evil Dead.' But it is the evilest 'Evil Dead,' and that feels right.”
“Vaniček doesn't reinvent 'Evil Dead,' but he does reinvent how an 'Evil Dead' movie can feel.”
“'Evil Dead Burn' is not the type of film that is set to convert anyone who has not already bought into this series.”
“After a couple of hours of pummelling and dour sadism, you'll be pining for the days of Bruce Campbell throwing himself around with a chainsaw.”
What works
- Inventive, relentless set pieces and gore effects.
- Stylish, energetic direction from Sébastien Vaniček.
- A dark family drama that gives the horror some weight.
What doesn't
- Many critics found it grim, sadistic and exhausting.
- Little of the humour that made the early films so loved.
- Unlikely to win over anyone who is not already an Evil Dead fan.
Evil Dead Burn opened in cinemas on 10 July 2026, arrived to rent or buy online on 4 August and has been streaming on HBO Max since 2 October. It is directed by Sébastien Vaniček, who made the French spider horror Infested, and produced by Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert, who started the series in 1981.
What critics liked
Fans of the film admire its ferocity and craft. TheWrap's William Bibbiani called it the evilest Evil Dead, and meant it as praise, while IndieWire's Alison Foreman said Vaniček reinvents how an Evil Dead film can feel. Collider praised its depth and its unforgettable third act, and The Daily Beast found it a stomach-churningly amusing nightmare.
Where it falls short
Other critics found it too punishing. Time Out's Dan Jolin called it hours of pummelling and dour sadism, and Rolling Stone and Vulture were similarly harsh. Next Best Picture's Josh Parham felt it is unlikely to convert anyone who is not already a fan, and several reviews missed the series' trademark splatstick humour.
The performances
Souheila Yacoub leads as the grieving Alice, with Hunter Doohan, Tandi Wright and Luciane Buchanan as members of the family that turns against her.
Should you watch?
With a 70% Tomatometer and a 74% audience score, it is a solid pick for gore-hounds on HBO Max, but a hard one for anyone squeamish.
Quick answers
- Is Evil Dead Burn worth watching?
- Worth watching for horror fans with strong stomachs who enjoyed Evil Dead Rise, and it is now streaming on HBO Max. If you prefer the slapstick of the early Evil Dead films, critics warn this one is far bleaker.
- What are the review scores for Evil Dead Burn?
- Rotten Tomatoes: 70% (Tomatometer, 211 reviews, 18 Oct 2026). Metacritic: 54 (Metascore, 36 critic reviews, 18 Oct 2026). RT audience: 74% (Popcornmeter, 2,500+ verified ratings, 18 Oct 2026).
- Where can I watch Evil Dead Burn?
- Official options: Fandango at Home (rent and buy to keep; US). Availability varies by country and changes over time.
- How long is Evil Dead Burn?
- Evil Dead Burn runs 110 minutes (1 hr 50 min).
- When was Evil Dead Burn released?
- Evil Dead Burn was released on 10 July 2026 by Warner Bros. Pictures.
- Who is in Evil Dead Burn?
- It is directed by Sébastien Vaniček and stars Souheila Yacoub, Hunter Doohan, Tandi Wright, Luciane Buchanan, Erroll Shand and Maude Davey.
Sources
This roundup summarises the reviews and reporting below. Follow the links for the full pieces.
- Evil Dead Burn review · TheWrap
- Evil Dead Burn review · IndieWire
- Evil Dead Burn review · Time Out
- Evil Dead Burn review · Next Best Picture
- Evil Dead Burn begins streaming exclusively on HBO Max October 2 · Warner Bros. Discovery
- Evil Dead Burn · Rotten Tomatoes
- Evil Dead Burn · Metacritic
- Evil Dead Burn · Wikipedia
ElysiumHub Screen Desk roundups summarise published reviews and reporting, and are written with AI assistance. Scores belong to the sites that publish them. Read our editorial standards. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.