Before the demonic possession even begins in Evil Dead Rise, things aren't exactly rosy between its lead characters, sisters Beth and Ellie. After a cabin-based cold open sets the tone of the movie, we jump to Los Angeles, where the former is dropping in on the latter and her kids – and it's quickly established that the pair have been estranged for some time.
While Beth (Lily Sullivan) has been living it up and touring with various music bands, Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland) has been struggling to raise her children alone following the sudden departure of their father. What's worse? The rundown high-rise she's living in is booting them out, and as it stands, they've not got anywhere else lined up to move to.
