Detailed Summary
Opening: Return to the Cabin
The movie opens with Ash Williams (played by Bruce Campbell) and his girlfriend, Linda, heading to a remote cabin in the woods for a romantic getaway. This introduction is a condensed retelling of the first film, where Ash inadvertently awakens an evil force by playing a recording of the “Necronomicon Ex-Mortis,” or the Book of the Dead. Linda is quickly possessed by demons, setting the stage for Ash’s gruesome battle against supernatural forces.
Ash vs. Possessed Linda
Ash’s first major battle occurs when Linda is possessed by an evil spirit. After a horrifying struggle, he is forced to decapitate her with a shovel. Ash buries her in the woods, but Linda’s headless corpse doesn’t stay buried for long. In a moment that showcases the film’s blend of horror and absurdity, her head bites Ash’s hand, leading to a chaotic and hilarious scene.
The Evil Dead Rise
As Ash attempts to leave the cabin, the evil force in the woods takes control of him, sending him flying through the air. He briefly becomes possessed but regains control when daylight breaks. This scene marks one of the film’s most iconic sequences, showcasing Bruce Campbell’s unmatched physical comedy and Sam Raimi’s dynamic camera work.
The Arrival of New Characters
A new set of characters enters the scene, providing some much-needed backup for Ash. These include Annie Knowby, the daughter of the professor who originally found the Necronomicon, her research assistant Ed, and two locals, Jake and Bobby Joe, who guide them to the cabin. Their arrival reintroduces more elements of traditional horror as they discover the carnage left behind.
Ash’s Fight for Survival
Ash’s battle against the Deadites (the evil spirits) escalates as the cabin becomes a living nightmare. His hand, infected by the evil force, becomes possessed and turns against him in an infamous slapstick scene. In a desperate and darkly funny move, Ash cuts off his own hand with a chainsaw. This moment solidifies his transformation from terrified victim to chainsaw-wielding badass.
The Battle for the Necronomicon
The group tries to stop the evil by reciting passages from the Necronomicon, but chaos ensues as Ed and others become possessed. One by one, the characters fall victim to the Deadites, leaving Ash and Annie to fight the evil force. As the tension ramps up, Ash finds himself alone against the relentless supernatural forces.
The Portal and Cliffhanger Ending
In the climactic scene, Annie recites an incantation that opens a portal to send the evil back where it came from. However, the portal doesn’t just suck in the evil force—it also pulls Ash and his Oldsmobile into it. The movie ends with Ash being transported to the Middle Ages, where he is mistaken for a hero from ancient prophecy. The film closes on this wild cliffhanger, setting up the premise for Army of Darkness (1992), the next film in the series.
Movie Ending
Ash is transported to a medieval time period through the portal opened by the Necronomicon. Confused and horrified, he quickly realizes that he’s been sucked into another era, with no apparent way to return. The film ends with Ash surrounded by knights who hail him as a hero, while he screams in despair. This bizarre, humorous ending perfectly sets up the sequel, Army of Darkness.
Post-Credits Scene
There is no post-credits scene in Evil Dead II, but the ending serves as a massive cliffhanger, building excitement for the next film.
Type of Movie
Evil Dead II is a hybrid of horror, comedy, and slapstick with some action. It’s often described as a horror-comedy, with a unique tone that blends intense gore and disturbing imagery with absurd humor and exaggerated physical performances.
Cast
- Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams
- Sarah Berry as Annie Knowby
- Dan Hicks as Jake
- Kassie Wesley DePaiva as Bobby Joe
- Denise Bixler as Linda
- Richard Domeier as Ed Getley
Film Music and Composer
The music for Evil Dead II was composed by Joseph LoDuca, whose score adds both tension and humor to the film. His orchestral work elevates the horror while also complementing the film’s more whimsical, exaggerated moments.
Filming Locations
Evil Dead II was filmed in Wadesboro, North Carolina, with many scenes shot in a remote cabin built specifically for the movie. The isolation of the location adds to the film’s intense atmosphere, making the setting feel appropriately claustrophobic and eerie.
Awards and Nominations
While Evil Dead II didn’t rack up major awards, it has become a cult favorite and is highly regarded in horror circles. It has received several nominations and wins at horror film festivals, particularly for its special effects and Bruce Campbell’s iconic performance.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Bruce Campbell did many of his own stunts, including being thrown around the set on wires.
- Sam Raimi’s brother, Ted Raimi, played the possessed Henrietta, donning heavy prosthetics and enduring hours of makeup, despite extreme discomfort.
- Raimi used a technique called “shaky cam” to represent the evil spirit’s point of view, a technique that has since been widely copied in horror films.
Inspirations and References
- The film is a partial remake and continuation of The Evil Dead (1981).
- Raimi’s love for the Three Stooges and physical comedy heavily inspired the slapstick elements, particularly Ash’s battle with his own hand.
- The film’s tone and structure drew inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft‘s stories of ancient evils and cursed books.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
No significant alternate endings have been revealed, but several scenes were trimmed for pacing or gore. A few of these deleted scenes include extended battles with Deadites and more slapstick moments with Ash.
Book Adaptations and Differences
There is no official novelization of Evil Dead II, but the film loosely continues the storyline from the first movie without being a direct adaptation of any particular book or story.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Ash’s battle with his own possessed hand, leading to the iconic chainsaw amputation.
- The sequence where the furniture and objects in the cabin come to life, laughing maniacally along with Ash.
- Ash strapping the chainsaw to his arm and declaring, “Groovy,” becoming the ultimate Deadite-slaying machine.
Iconic Quotes
- Ash: “Groovy.”
- Ash: “Workshed.”
- Ash: “Give me back my hand!”
- Henrietta: “I’ll swallow your soul!”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The Freddy Krueger glove can be seen hanging in the tool shed, a playful nod to the Nightmare on Elm Street series.
- A copy of H.P. Lovecraft’s Necronomicon appears briefly in the movie, referencing the mythos surrounding the cursed book.
Trivia
- The film was banned in several countries due to its extreme gore.
- The cabin set was so cold during shooting that actors’ breath can often be seen in indoor scenes.
- Raimi funded the movie with help from investors, including some unexpected sources like a dentist.
Why Watch?
You should watch Evil Dead II for its unique mix of horror and comedy, groundbreaking practical effects, and Bruce Campbell’s legendary performance as Ash Williams. It’s a masterclass in balancing terror with humor, and it’s a must-see for fans of horror cinema.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Evil Dead (1981)
- Army of Darkness (1992)
- Darkman (1990)
- Spider-Man (2002)
- Drag Me to Hell (2009)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Army of Darkness (1992)
- The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
- Shaun of the Dead (2004)
- Dead Alive (1992)
- Re-Animator (1985)
