ARROW FRIGHTFEST (digital edition): Hail To The Deadites
frightfest
Passion is an intoxicating and addicting element to behold; director Steve Villeneuve's Evil Dead documentary, Hail to the Deadites, burns bright with so much passion that it is almost impossible to watch and not be utterly transfixed.
Villeneuve's film, from the outset and throughout, finds a terrific balance between exploring Sam Raimi's cult hit while also exploring those it has affected along the way with some marvellous and eye-opening results. This is not necessarily a film that concentrates itself on the former. Granted, an understanding and exploration of the horror classic is needed for the average audience but, undoubtedly, it is the latter theme that Villeneuve's film prides itself on.
Interviewees range from the casual fan, cast members, make-up specialists to the dedicated fans and even cosplayers – all varying and fascinating to behold. The sheer joy and love that is emitting from these scenes with passion bursting on-screen are palpable to watch. In these extraordinary and often challenging times for so many, to watch a group of people come together from all points of the globe to meet one another and share stories is ever so compelling and touching.
This is arguably the most interesting and, perhaps, not conscious exploration the documentary entails: discussing fan culture. In the last few years, fan culture has taken on another evolution and power. The Last Jedi debacle, Game of Thrones Season 8 and, recently, Zack Snyder's HBO Max version on Justice League have all proved the power and momentum that fans have. Even if it was never Villeneuve's idea to explore the power of fans and, granted, the director never goes down that path on purpose, it undoubtedly crops up in significant parts of this documentary.
The power of continually resurrecting this franchise is prominent, but deep below, what does it actually covey with the likes of the Fede Alvarez's 2013 Evil Dead remake and Ash vs Evil Dead? A fan is not someone who appreciates this specific medium but stands as something not too dissimilar from a silent producer. It is clear that a fan is now someone who can dictate with their burning passion and unquestionable lust if a property lives and dies on a single dime or tweet.
It is a thought-provoking and interesting element to stew over. Nevertheless, Villeneuve's film is a compelling and passion-fuelled venture that should and will be hailed by all Evil Dead fans alike. Understandably, Hail to the Deadites may not entice all of the film world, but anyone even remotely interested in horror as well as the community of fan culture will find something here genuinely fascinating.
