Directed by
Lee Cronin
Made by
Warner Bros.
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Evil Dead Rise (2023). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Cousins Teresa and Jessica, along with Jessica’s new boyfriend Caleb, are spending their vacation at a serene lakeside cabin when a shocking incident occurs. An apparently disturbed Jessica suddenly scalps Teresa and decapitates Caleb, all while levitating ominously above the water. This startling sequence of events comes right after Beth, a guitar technician and sister to Ellie, visits her sibling in Los Angeles. Despite being a single mother, Ellie, played by Alyssa Sutherland, is doing her best to raise her teenagers Danny and Bridget, along with young Kassie.
Their lives take a dark turn when an earthquake rattles their condemned apartment complex, revealing a hidden chamber in the basement. Inside, Danny discovers religious artifacts and three phonograph records from 1923, along with a peculiar book he believes could help his struggling mom. The first record details the failed attempts of a priest to investigate the book, which turns out to be one of three volumes of the Naturom Demonto. The second record exposes the priest’s secret research and an incantation that conjures demonic entities known as Deadites.
As the power fails in the building, Ellie becomes possessed by a sinister unseen force. In a trance, she endangers her family, pleading for Beth to protect her kids before ultimately succumbing to her possession. With the main exit routes blocked—thanks to the earthquake—the family finds themselves trapped, forcing them to confront the horrors that lurk within.
In a series of horrifying events, Beth and the children manage to lock Ellie outside after witnessing the brutal massacre of their neighbors. Unfortunately, the evil spreads further as Danny confesses about the Naturom Demonto, and Ellie deceives Kassie into unlocking the door. The nightmare escalates as Bridget is soon possessed too, leading to a chaotic confrontation that results in her death at the hands of Kassie, who inadvertently impales her with a broken broom handle.
Desperate for a solution, Beth listens to the last record, only to learn that the priest’s attempts to combat the Deadites were in vain, as total destruction of the host is the only way to stop them. The possessed Bridget fatally wounds Danny, who in a last-ditch effort, sets her ablaze, just as Ellie invades the apartment through the vents.
When Ellie realizes Beth is pregnant, she tries to endanger the fetus, but Beth and Kassie manage to subdue her temporarily. In the midst of rising terror, they take refuge in a damaged elevator as Ellie, Bridget, and Danny merge into a grotesque creature known as the Marauder. This monstrosity attacks them, spilling blood within the elevator until it crashes to the ground floor.
In the parking lot, Kassie is captured, and Beth courageously returns to save her. Together, they cleverly dispose of the Marauder by overpowering it with a wood chipper, ensuring Ellie’s decapitated head is no longer a threat as it mocks Beth about her motherly capabilities. The duo escapes the nightmarish complex, although their harrowing ordeal is far from over, as the following morning reveals an unseen terror attacking Jessica in the parking lot as she prepares to leave for her vacation.
Follow the complete movie timeline of Evil Dead Rise (2023) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Vacation Begins
Cousins Teresa and Jessica, along with Jessica's new boyfriend Caleb, arrive at a serene lakeside cabin for their vacation. They look forward to a relaxing time, unaware of the horror that awaits them.
A Shocking Incident
In a shocking turn of events, Jessica, seemingly disturbed, suddenly scalps Teresa and decapitates Caleb while levitating above the water. This horrific incident sets the tone for the chaos that follows.
Ellie's Struggles
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Beth, a guitar technician, visits her sister Ellie. Ellie is shown struggling to raise her three children, Danny, Bridget, and young Kassie, as a single mother amidst her challenges.
Earthquake Unleashed
An earthquake hits their condemned apartment complex, suddenly revealing a hidden chamber in the basement. Danny explores this newfound space, discovering supposed religious artifacts and a peculiar book.
Discovery of the Naturom Demonto
Within the hidden chamber, Danny finds three phonograph records from 1923 and a volume of the *Naturom Demonto*. He learns the first record documents the failed attempts of a priest to investigate the book.
Possession Begins
As power fails in the building, Ellie becomes possessed by a sinister force. In a trance, she puts her family in danger, begging Beth to look after her kids before her transformation is complete.
Trapped and Alone
With the main exit routes blocked due to the earthquake, the family finds themselves trapped inside their apartment. They are forced to confront the horrifying realities that now threaten their lives.
Neighbors Massacred
Beth and the children manage to lock Ellie outside after witnessing the brutal massacre of their neighbors. The evil continues to spread, and Danny reveals the existence of the Naturom Demonto.
Bridget's Possession
The nightmare escalates when Bridget becomes possessed as well. In a chaotic confrontation, Kassie inadvertently kills her with a broken broom handle, leading to profound family trauma.
Last Hope
Desperate for a solution, Beth listens to the last phonograph record, only to find out that the only way to stop the Deadites is total destruction of the host. This revelation instills a sense of urgency and dread.
Fight for Survival
The possessed Bridget fatally wounds Danny, who in desperation manages to set her ablaze. Meanwhile, Ellie invades their apartment through the vents, escalating the perilous situation.
Transformation into the Marauder
As Ellie, Bridget, and Danny merge into a grotesque creature known as the Marauder, a terrifying chase ensues. Beth and Kassie must find a way to survive this newly formed monstrosity.
Confrontation with the Marauder
In a desperate move, Beth and Kassie confront the Marauder in a damaged elevator. A brutal battle ensues, culminating in the elevator crashing to the ground floor amidst bloodshed.
Showdown in the Parking Lot
After the chaos, Kassie is captured by the Marauder, prompting Beth to return and rescue her. Together, they defeat the Marauder using a wood chipper, ending its reign of terror.
A New Threat Emerges
The day after their horrifying ordeal, Beth and Kassie escape, but they soon realize the terror is not over. Jessica is attacked by an unseen presence in the parking lot as she prepares to leave.
Explore all characters from Evil Dead Rise (2023). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Beth
Beth is a courageous guitar technician who, despite her own struggles, steps in to protect her family during a terrifying ordeal. Her strong bond with her sister Ellie is tested as she fights to save her nieces and nephew from supernatural threats.
Ellie
Ellie is a single mother who battles the possession of a sinister force while trying to protect her children. Her character represents the struggle of a parent to keep their family safe amidst chaos, even as her own safety is compromised.
Kassie
Kassie is the youngest of the group, displaying innocence and resilience. As events unfold, her actions become vital to the family's survival, showcasing the unexpected strength that can emerge even from the most vulnerable.
Bridget
Bridget is a teenager facing peer pressures and the impact of newfound danger in her life. Her character arc highlights the tragic consequences of possession and the ensuing chaos that grips her family.
Danny
Danny is a pivotal character whose discovery of the sinister book unravels the horror for his family. His attempts to save his mother illustrate both bravery and the consequences of meddling with dark forces.
Learn where and when Evil Dead Rise (2023) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The story takes place in contemporary times, showcasing modern-day challenges faced by a single mother and her family. The narrative also references historical elements through the 1923 phonograph records, adding depth to the horror they encounter.
Location
Los Angeles, Lakeside Cabin
The movie takes place in Los Angeles, a bustling city known for its entertainment industry and diverse culture. It also features a serene lakeside cabin, contrasting the urban chaos, providing a backdrop for the horrific events that unfold during a family vacation.
Discover the main themes in Evil Dead Rise (2023). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
👻
Supernatural Horror
The film explores supernatural horror through the unsettling possession of characters by demonic entities known as Deadites. This theme illustrates the struggle between good and evil and the impact of dark forces on familial bonds.
🩸
Survival
Survival is a central theme as the characters face life-or-death situations against overwhelming odds. The family must rely on their courage and resourcefulness to combat unimaginable horrors and protect one another.
👨👧👦
Family Dynamics
The theme of family dynamics is pivotal as the characters navigate relationships amid tragedy and chaos. The protective instincts of siblings and the challenges faced by a single mother underscore the importance of familial love and support in the face of darkness.
Unravel the ending of Evil Dead Rise (2023) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.
In the climax of “Evil Dead Rise,” Beth manages to confront and trap the demonic force within a scrap grinder, effectively destroying the possessed entities that had fused together and were threatening to kill her and Kassie. She then escapes from the building, believing she has finally rid herself of the evil. However, the true horror remains because the book that summoned the evil, the Naturom Demonto or Book of the Dead, was never truly destroyed. The film hints that the demonic spirit is still alive and lurking, especially because we see a girl who was possessed at the beginning of the film return to the parking lot after the massacre, now fully possessed herself. This suggests that the evil persists in the world and could potentially resurface or continue to haunt anyone who dares to disturb the book again. Beth’s act of shutting the evil away seems to temporarily stop its immediate threat, but the lingering presence of the demonic force means that the cycle of horror is far from over. The movie leaves viewers with a chilling reminder that the evil from the Book of the Dead is never truly gone and could strike again whenever the book is disturbed or opened. Beth’s struggles and sacrifices highlight the ongoing battle between good and evil, emphasizing that as long as the book exists, the evil remains very much alive, waiting in the shadows for its next opportunity to emerge. This ending hints at a possible sequel, where Beth and Kassie might need to confront the evil once again and put an end to its menacing presence for good.
Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.