While Sam Raimi is revered as one of the all-time great horror directors, Netflix’s 2024 releaseDon’t Movehighlights a disappointing ongoing trend in his career. The movie, directed by Brian Netto and Adam Schindler, has Raimi as a high-profile producer, highlighting his ongoing investment and interest in the horror genre. However, despite having helmed genre classics likeThe Evil DeadandDrag Me To Hell, there is a disappointing truth toSam Raimi’s movie careerthatDon’t Moveexemplifies.
For all his success in horror,Raimi hasn’t actually directed that many horror movies. AfterEvil Dead’s third installment, the director gradually shifted to new territories. Notably, he directed the 2000sSpider-Mantrilogy starring Tobey Maguire, considered today one of the best superhero film adaptations. Around the same time,Raimi transitioned to the role of producer— one that would become his main interest for decades to come.Don’t Moveis a continuation of this trend – a situation that simultaneously demonstrates Raimi’s commitment to horror and underscores the disappointing reality of his career.
Don’t Move Provides A Harsh Reminder That Sam Raimi Hasn’t Directed A Horror Movie In 15 Years, Despite Producing Numerous Hits
The Success Of Don’t Move Proves Sam Raimi Never Left Horror
Since his 2009 hitDrag Me to Hell, Sam Raimi has beenmysteriously reticent about directing horror movies. Looking at his directing credits in the genre, his work has historically been outstanding, adding to the question of why he wouldn’t want to return. Clearly, it is not a matter of a lack of passion for horror, as his producer’s list mostly features titles from the genre, and popular ones at that — including many additions to theEvil Deadseries,Don’t Breathe, andThe Grudgefranchise.
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WithDon’t Move’s positive reviews, Raimi demonstrateshis horror eye remains keenon exploring new fears, gripping scenarios, and styles. The movie follows a cat-and-mouse chase between a charming serial killer and a young woman whose body is slowly becoming paralyzed.Don’t Move’s simple, yet powerful claustrophobic terror carries Raimi’s stamp, and urges his return as director more than ever.
The return of Raimi’s characteristic visual style would no doubt bring about new horror sensations that could compete with Blumhouse’s box-office hits likeM3GAN,Insidious,andFive Nights at Freddy’s.
In 2023, news aboutSam Raimi and James Wan’s new projectopened the conversation for a new horror film possibly inspiringThe Evil Deaddirector back into the hot seat. Although he hasproduced many horror hits throughout his career, the return of Raimi’s characteristic visual style would no doubt bring about new horror sensations that could compete with Blumhouse’s box-office hits likeM3GAN,Insidious, andFive Nights at Freddy’s.
Sam Raimi Already Teased A Great Horror Directing Return With Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness
15 Years After Drag Me To Hell, Sam Raimi Confirms He Will Direct A New Horror Movie
SinceDrag Me to Hell, Raimi has only directed two other movies. After his arguably off-brand directorial participation in Disney’sOz the Great and Powerful, Raimi hinted at his horror roots withDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.The MCU movie’s horrific elements and daring visualswere well-received and praised by critics and audiences alike. Even though Raimi recently directed two horror TV series and one short film, his minimal participation was not enough to excite those craving the return of hisEvil Deadglory days.
Sam Raimi’s Next Movie After Multiverse Of Madness Is What I’ve Been Waiting For Since 2009
Sam Raimi’s next project, post-Doctor Strange, is set to be a horror movie called Send Help. This is a return to Raimi’s horror film roots.
Like the director’s horror films before it, theDoctor Strangesequel distinguished itself from other titles, revealing that theSpider-Mandirector hasn’t lost his touch with the genre. Since then, the expectation was that Sam Raimiwould break his 15-year horror drought. While, two years on, this promise is yet to come to fruition, it seems that his participation in Marvel inspiredRaimi’s horror movie returnwith the mysterious thrillerSend Help. WhileDon’t Moverepresents a continuation of a somewhat disappointing Raimi trend, the indications are that it could be about to come to an end.
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A grieving woman must escape a serial killer in the remote forests of Big Sur after being injected with a paralytic agent. With only 20 minutes before her body shuts down, she embarks on a desperate race against time, battling fear and her fading physical strength in this tense survival horror thriller.
