Evil Takes Root (2020): Cast & Ratings
Evil Takes Root is a 2020 horror thriller directed by Chris W. Freeman, starring Michelle Ng Mini as Batibat (voice), Logan Fry and Thomas Downey. It runs 1 hour 31 minutes. Its Echo Score is 51/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 31m (91 min)
- Director
- Chris W. Freeman
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- UP & AWAY Productions
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Evil Takes Root About?
The premise of Evil Takes Root without spoilers.
A paranormal investigator travels to a quiet Midwestern town to uncover the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of his former lover and confront past regrets. His investigation reveals that she was claimed by the Batibat, an ancient and malevolent entity originating from the Philippines. He must now confront this supernatural force and the secrets it has unearthed.
Evil Takes Root Cast & Characters
Michelle Ng Mini leads the cast as Batibat (voice), with Logan Fry as Background - Amish Man and Thomas Downey as Father Weller. Directed by Chris W. Freeman; 75 actors are credited in all.
- Director Chris W. Freeman
- Michelle Ng Mini as Batibat (voice)
-
Logan Fry as Background - Amish Man - Thomas Downey as Father Weller
- Nicholas Gonzalez as Felix Fojas
Also Starring in Evil Takes Root
· 71 more- John French Male Nurse
- Constance Brenneman Amanda Noles
- Heather Fairbanks Lori Garland
- Richard Mason Frank Byers
- Charlie Rowe Coven Witch
- Sean Carrigan Dr. Thane Noles
- Peggy Miller Eunice Crowley
- Carly Tamborski Nurse
- John Churchill Sheriff Roy Garland
- Jeff Mallory Barfly
- Kayden Bryce Mallory
- Brenna Sherman Ruth
- Stevie Lynn Jones Sarah Noles
- Scott Summitt Hutchinson
- Bret Aaron Knower School Parent
- Chelsea Mee Lust Demon
Show all 75 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Adetokumboh M'Cormack Father Olawale
- Debbie Doebereiner Sergeant Speakman
- Matt Perl Knox Staff
- Jennie Malone Background - Amish Woman
- Deanna Sherman Miriam
- Amber Nelson Forest Demon
- Jason Hetterscheidt Joyner
- Jordyn Cox Bar Demon
- Hickory Taylor Logger
- Carmen Gangale Emergency Dispatcher
- Sophia Manyet Background - Student
- Reagan Belhorn Christina
- Meghan Garber Riley
- Brian Gackowski Surgical Assistant
- Chloe Garber Fiona
- Laurence J. Hokes Deputy Mullins
- Frank Sundquist Caleb / Masked Man
- Michael Compton Edgar Moffet
- Amber Marie Tarrh Bartender Jen
- Douglas McComb-Barnett Darryl
- Bob Raymer Rain Soaked Man
- Jason Petric Priest
- Syretta Bates Lynn (Assistant)
- Tarissa Suchecki Lucy
- Heather Caldwell Dr. Moreno
- Trent Lint Curtis
- Stephanie Garber Gina Moffett
- Vickie Frink Erika
- Ruby Myles Coven Witch
- Judith Mack First Witch
- Charlotte Malley Coven Witch
- Megan Sundermeier Coven Witch
- Megan Valle Coven Witch
- Universe Niox Black Dog
- Jill French Amish Mother
- Alison French Amish Child
- Drew French Amish Child
- Alyssa Gluck Garland Teen
- Gretchen Jennings Garland Daughter
- Harper Jennings Garland Daughter
- Annie Mack Garland Daughter
- Dean Paetzold Barfly
- Victor Dwayne Little Barfly
- Shane Sullins Barfly
- Amber Calvin Knox Staff
- Wesley Williams Knox Staff
- Lucas Abreu Logger
- Angel Matheson Nun Nurse
- Tracie Parsley Surgical Tech
- Leland Leger Patient
- Tila Lane Patient
- Joseph R. Mack Wedding Priest
- David Risher Teacher
- Heatherlyn Thomas Teacher
- Cosette Payne Background - Student
Evil Takes Root Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 51/100, strongest in art & craft (65) and weakest in rewatch factor (35).
Evil Takes Root Echo Score Breakdown
The film delivers a modestly entertaining horror experience but falls short of leaving a lasting impression. Reviewers praise practical creature effects and occasional decent direction, yet criticize a muddled plot, uneven acting, and limited rewatch value. While the mythological premise involving the batibat adds some originality, the execution suffers from incoherent storytelling and thin character development, which diminish the film's overall impact.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 65
The art and craft show moments of competence amidst overall roughness. Practical creature effects are highlighted as effective, and direction is described as decent with solid pacing. However, production setbacks resulted in lost scenes and inconsistent visual quality, revealing a patchy execution. Overall, the craftsmanship lands in a moderate range.
- Character & Emotion 50
Character work is uneven, offering occasional solid performances but limited emotional depth. Some reviewers note the acting is good or well‑done, yet many describe performances as mediocre and characters as one‑dimensional with insufficient motivation. The lack of nuanced interaction hampers audience engagement. Consequently, the character score remains modest.
- Story & Flow 45
Narrative coherence is a major weakness in the film. Critics repeatedly call the plot messy, incoherent, and basic, pointing out dangling story threads and an unsatisfying ending. A few mentions note an interesting batibat mythos and brisk pacing, but these do not offset the structural flaws. The story thus scores below average.
- Sensory Experience 60
Sensory elements provide occasional highlights despite limited emphasis elsewhere. Reviewers praise practical effects and a degree of horror ambience that contribute to an engaging atmosphere. Sound design and visual polish receive little commentary, suggesting they are serviceable but unremarkable. Overall, the sensory experience is moderately positive.
- Rewatch Factor 35
Rewatch appeal is low for most viewers. The majority of comments indicate the film lacks lasting scares and memorable moments, leading reviewers to state they would not view it again. One user mentions the DVD commentary enhances repeatability, but this exception does not substantially raise the overall replay value. Consequently, the rewatch factor scores poorly.
Evil Takes Root Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Evil Takes Root.
Evil Takes Root Also Known As
3 alternative titles, including “Evil Takes Root the Curse of the Batibat” and “邪恶根源”.
- Also known as
-
- Evil Takes Root the Curse of the Batibat
- 邪恶根源
- Зло пускает корни
Seen Evil Takes Root?
Evil Takes Root FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Evil Takes Root, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Evil Takes Root?
Evil Takes Root runs 1 hour 31 minutes (91 minutes).
When was Evil Takes Root released?
Evil Takes Root was released on September 15, 2020.
Who directed Evil Takes Root?
Evil Takes Root was directed by Chris W. Freeman.
More films by Chris W. Freeman Who is in the cast of Evil Takes Root?
Evil Takes Root stars Michelle Ng Mini as Batibat (voice), Logan Fry as Background - Amish Man and Thomas Downey as Father Weller, among 75 credited actors.
Does Evil Takes Root have a post-credit scene?
No. Evil Takes Root has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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