In the realm of horror cinema, certain films have garnered a special place within the hearts of the LGBTQ+ community. From the whimsical portrayal of Ursula and Daddy King Triton by Melissa McCarthy and Javier Bardem in “The Little Mermaid” to the empowering essence of the entire Barbie marketing campaign, these moments resonate deeply. However, one film that may have been overlooked on this list is “Evil Dead Rise,” the fifth installment in the franchise, which unveils surprising elements of queer representation.
This twisted horror flick revolves around two estranged sisters who embark on a perilous journey to rescue their family from the clutches of a malevolent entity known as a deadite. While the movie explores the theme of possession, it also holds unexpected significance for the LGBTQ+ community. Enter Alyssa Sutherland’s character, Ellie, who spends a considerable portion of the film in a demonic state, mercilessly attempting to annihilate her own kin.
Remarkably, the queer community has now adopted Ellie, referring to her as “mother” in a gesture of endearment. This revelation has sparked a wave of enthusiasm, and Alyssa Sutherland herself has wholeheartedly embraced the queer adoption of her possessed character. In response to a tweet celebrating the ever-evolving rules of what the gays consider to be a maternal figure, Sutherland expressed her support with a flurry of rainbow and party emojis, along with a profusion of heart emojis in various hues.
One poignant scene within the movie involves Ellie’s young daughter inquiring about her missing mother. In a chilling yet compelling exchange, the demon-woman retorts, “Mommy’s with the maggots now.” It is this line that has captured the imagination of gay Twitter, leading to a playful word substitution where the letter “m” is replaced with “f.”
The queer adoption of Ellie as “mother” in “Evil Dead Rise” showcases the community’s ability to find resonance in unexpected places. This delightful intersection of horror and LGBTQ+ culture serves as a testament to the power of representation and inclusivity. As the film continues to captivate audiences, it exemplifies the importance of diverse narratives and the profound impact they can have on marginalized communities.
Through its exploration of possession and the complex relationship between motherhood and horror, “Evil Dead Rise” has inadvertently become a symbol of queer empowerment. By embracing the demonic “mother” character and infusing it with their own meaning, the LGBTQ+ community has demonstrated once again their remarkable ability to find strength, belonging, and kinship in the unlikeliest of places.
