What is it? A new version of the grisly, low-budget 1981 horror that launched the career of Sam Raimi (who went on to direct Spider-Man, among other things).
The twist is that, unlike most “reboots” of old horror favourites (Dawn of the Dead, Texas Chainsaw Massacre etc), this one’s been made by Raimi himself. Hasn’t he done this before? Debate still rages among fans as to whether Raimi’s 1987 film Evil Dead II was a sequel or a remake (it’s a bit of both). This, though, is definitely a remake – it has a whole new look, and a new cast of young demon-fodder taking a trip to a cabin in the woods, where they find an old book, a curse, and lots of gruesomely inventive ways to be killed (judging by the “red band” trailer, Raimi isn’t holding back on the gruesomeness).
A cabin in the woods? That sounds a bit familiar.
It’s been done to death, you mean? To the point where a film this year based its whole plot (and title) around subverting that particular horror cliché? Well yes. It’ll be interesting to see if Raimi can add anything fresh. Find out in April next year.
• Watch the trailer (warning: adult content)