Evil Dead Rise (2023) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
Evil Dead Rise concludes with a brutal, blood-soaked finale where Beth, the film's protagonist, manages to kill her demon-possessed sister Ellie and save her nephew Kassie from the Necronomicon's curse. However, the ending leaves ambiguous whether the evil has truly been vanquished, as the Necronomicon remains intact, and Kassie exhibits eerie behavior suggesting lingering corruption. The film blends visceral horror with emotional weight, delivering a satisfying yet open-ended conclusion that leaves room for future sequels or interpretations.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Evil Dead Rise sees Beth finally confronting her sister Ellie, who has been fully consumed by a Deadite entity. After a gruesome battle in the apartment building's flooded basement, Beth uses a chainsaw-a franchise staple-to decapitate Ellie, seemingly ending the curse. However, the Necronomicon, the ancient book responsible for the demonic outbreak, remains ominously present. Beth and Kassie escape the collapsing building, but the final moments reveal Kassie staring blankly into the distance, her reflection briefly distorting in a way that suggests she may still be under the Deadite's influence. This chilling ambiguity leaves the door open for future horrors.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- Is Kassie still possessed?
- Possibility 1: Yes-the distortion in her reflection hints at lingering evil.
- Possibility 2: No-it could just be trauma from the ordeal.
- What happens to the Necronomicon?
- Possibility 1: It resurfaces in a sequel, continuing the cycle of evil.
- Possibility 2: It's buried in the building's ruins, but never truly destroyed.
- Will Beth face repercussions for the deaths?
- Possibility 1: Authorities might blame her, leading to a legal or psychological struggle.
- Possibility 2: The building's collapse covers up the supernatural events.
Themes & Emotional Impact
The ending reinforces the franchise's core themes of familial bonds and inescapable evil. Beth's journey is one of reluctant heroism-she starts as an irresponsible aunt but evolves into a fierce protector. The tragedy of Ellie's possession and death adds emotional weight, making the horror more personal. The ambiguous fate of Kassie ensures that the terror lingers beyond the runtime, playing into the Evil Dead tradition where evil never truly dies. The flooded, claustrophobic setting amplifies the dread, making the finale both cathartic and unsettling.
Franchise Connections & Future Implications
Evil Dead Rise cleverly nods to the franchise's lore while carving its own path. The Necronomicon's survival aligns with the series' recurring motif of evil's persistence. The film's urban setting differentiates it from previous rural horrors, suggesting the Deadites can adapt to any environment. If a sequel follows, it could explore Kassie's corruption or the book's next victim. Alternatively, the ending could serve as a standalone cautionary tale about the cyclical nature of evil-much like the original Evil Dead films, where resolution is always temporary.
Personal Opinion
I found Evil Dead Rise's ending both satisfying and deeply unsettling. The visceral gore and relentless pacing stayed true to the franchise's roots, while the emotional stakes elevated it beyond mere splatter-fest. Beth's arc was compelling, and the final shot of Kassie left me genuinely unnerved. That said, the ambiguity might frustrate viewers seeking definitive closure. Still, it's a bold choice that honors the series' legacy-evil is never fully defeated, just delayed. The film balances brutality with heart, making it one of the stronger entries in the Evil Dead saga.
Would I want a sequel? Absolutely, but only if it maintains this balance of terror and humanity. The ending's unresolved tension is a perfect setup for more nightmares.