The horror genre is experiencing a renaissance, with films like 'Obsession', 'Sinners', and 'Weapons' breaking records and winning awards. This resurgence has led to a shift in censorship standards, with the Motion Picture Association (MPA) becoming more lenient towards horror movies. However, this doesn't mean that all horror films are automatically granted an R rating. As director Sébastien Vaniček discovered with his latest film, 'Evil Dead Burn', the MPA can be quite particular about what they allow to be released with an R rating.
Vaniček's film is the latest in the 'Evil Dead' franchise, known for its brutal and mean-spirited nature. The franchise has always been a great example of changing censorship standards, with earlier films released unrated and later ones enjoying studio distribution with an R rating while maintaining their trademark gore and brutality. However, 'Evil Dead Burn' is shockingly nasty for an R-rated feature, which is why an earlier cut nearly received an NC-17 rating.
Vaniček revealed that the amount of material he had to cut from the film to get an R rating was relegated to just one single scene. The scene in question was a 'colder' moment that was too harsh for the MPA and test audiences. Vaniček was careful not to specify which scene it was, but it's clear that the film's intensity and brutality were the main factors in the decision.
The difference between the released cut and the initial version may only have had to do with mere seconds or frames of footage. Prior-rated 'Evil Dead' films have had unrated releases on physical media before, so perhaps an unrated 'Evil Dead Burn' may be in our future. This would allow audiences to experience the film in its original, more brutal form and quench their curiosity and bloodlust.
'Evil Dead Burn' is currently in theaters, and while it may not be as brutal as the unrated version, it's still a thrilling and entertaining addition to the 'Evil Dead' franchise. The film's success in obtaining an R rating is a testament to the MPA's understanding of the genre and its ability to balance censorship with artistic expression.
