Written and directed by Brendan Rudnicki, a husband’s fight to save his wife from a demonic possession that began the moment the dybbuk box chose her as its next host. Starring: Grace Maddux, Stuart Maxheimer, Greg Brandenburg, Tatum Bates and Benjamin L. Newmark.

With such an expansive world of hauntings, possessions, and supernatural or paranormal entities in horror after decade upon decade of releases, the focus becomes much more about the entertainment value and experience a film offers, rather than if its story is irreproachably original. That’s what you need to keep in mind with Evil Follows, because yes, the story is familiar, it touches upon a lot of beloved themes but that doesn’t stop it from having its own identity and creating an enjoyable piece of horror viewing.

That’s exactly what Brendan Rudnicki does, he crafts a solid supernatural outing. It’s shot well, the direction is solid throughout and creates a strong haunting atmosphere. There’s a great tension, it moves well and comes in at under eighty-minutes, which is a refreshing change from two to three hour features. The cinematography, also from Rudnicki along with the editing work, has a great depth and colour. It definitely helps to add a note of sincerity, something that possession outings can often struggle with. The style overall is consistent, effective and for this type of film, relatively understated which is another refreshing change of pace.

Another key to the success of Evil Follows is the performance from Stuart Maxheimer, he grounds the film. He creates a relatable, sympathetic, caring, optimistic character in Ethan, which is always a great element of horror as it gives so much room for him to fall as his world comes crashing down around him. Having that earnest character at the heart of Evil Follows makes it flow well, and he has a solid chemistry with Grace Maddux as his wife Liz. Another factor in getting sympathy and connection with the audience as it makes his fear and concern feel genuine, rather than cheap melodramatic panic.

Maddux’s performance doesn’t really reach its full potential until the demonic possession truly takes a hold of Liz. Once that switch is flipped, and she’s able to not hold back, it becomes much stronger. She has a much bigger sense of control and presence, whereas her portrayal of Liz as weak and paranoid in the earlier scenes can be somewhat clichéd or a touch heavy-handed. Greg Brandenburg is also a strong addition as the quintessential expert, ready to ramp up the fear and highlight all of the dangerous, fatal potential to this possession.

Evil Follows is undeniably familiar, but also undeniably, it works. It’s an entertaining, consistent, well crafted horror outing. The aesthetic is strong work, it takes a little time to get going, the opening is not the strongest but once it settles in, it’s enjoyable viewing which holds your attention well. Stuart Maxheimer gives a great performance and creates an easy character to watch and invest in. Brendan Rudnicki creates a good, effective style, he keeps the runtime reined in, it progresses well and it’s an easy watch.

Verdict: ✯✯✯½ | 7/10

Available now on Digital & streaming on BloodStream