When Do Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, and Army of Darkness Take Place?

Understanding the setting of a film can greatly enhance our enjoyment of it. Fans of horror classics like Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, and Army of Darkness often wonder about the precise month during which these iconic movies take place. In this article, we'll explore the clues provided by the films themselves, discuss fan speculation, and settle on the most likely month for each movie.

Evil Dead (1981)

Evil Dead, directed by Sam Raimi, is a quintessential horror film that sets a dark and terrifying atmosphere. Fans often sense an autumn vibe when watching this movie. While the exact month is not specified, the Halloween/Halloween vibe is unmistakable, making September or October the most plausible setting.

Why September/October?

The eerie and desolate woods where Bruce encounters the Evil Dead are heavily covered in autumn foliage. The clothing worn by the characters suggests a fall setting. The dialogue and sound design effect a chilling autumn atmosphere.

Evil Dead 2 (1987)

The sequel, Evil Dead 2, expands on the horrors of the original, taking place months later. The Evil Dead 2 soundtrack and certain scenes give a very specific clue about the month of the film.

The Reel to Reel Tape Player Clue

In the film, Annie is playing a reel-to-reel tape recording of Professor Knowby, her stepfather. During the recording, Knowby specifically mentions October 1 as the day his wife, Henrietta, died. Given the nighttime setting of both films, it is reasonable to assume that Evil Dead 2 takes place sometime in October.

Army of Darkness (1992)

Unlike Evil Dead and Evil Dead 2, Army of Darkness stands out with its medieval setting.

Medieval Context

While the exact month is not specified, it is clear that the events of Army of Darkness take place in the context of medieval Europe. The medieval setting suggests that the movie is likely to be set around the summer months when knights often departed on quests, engaged in battles, and conducted other significant activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, based on the specific clues provided in Evil Dead 2 and general fan speculation, we can reasonably conclude the following settings:

Evil Dead: Likely set in September or October. Evil Dead 2: Clearly set in October. Army of Darkness: Likely set in the summer months, around 1300 AD.

While the exact months may remain a topic of debate, these conclusions are supported by both cinematic clues and general themes of the films. Fans can now better appreciate the atmosphere and context of their favorite scenes.