Sam Raimi first gained recognition for his work in horror, particularly with films like The Evil Dead and Evil Dead II, which essentially created the “Cabin in the Woods” style of horror and established him as a strong director. While he later directed blockbuster films set in diverse locations like New York City (Spider-Man) and medieval castles, his films have always jumped between settings. That’s what makes his new film, Send Help, so different – it’s his first major project set in a tropical location. Although Send Help doesn’t feature any supernatural elements, Raimi still brings his signature horror techniques to the film, even amidst the tropical scenery.
Fans of director Sam Raimi will enjoy seeing his signature style and dark humor on full display in this film. However, Send Help builds anticipation throughout but doesn’t quite deliver a satisfying conclusion. While the two main actors give strong performances and there are many fun moments, the movie ultimately doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
Rating: 3 out of 5
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Great performances | Some visual effects don’t hold up |
| Raimi’s trademark gags are still entertaining | The ending falls flat |
Send Help Is Anchored By Its Two Leads
In the film Send Help, Rachel McAdams plays Linda Liddle, a dedicated employee who consistently goes the extra mile at work but doesn’t receive any appreciation. It’s amusing to watch the movie initially present McAdams as unremarkable and somewhat sad, with a simple appearance and a solitary home filled with survival guides and her bird. Despite these efforts to portray her as plain, McAdams’ natural charm makes her hilarious and engaging. This initial presentation, however, is intentional, setting the stage for the challenges Linda faces later in the story.
Across from Adams is Dylan O’Brien as Bradley Preston, the new CEO who inherits the company after his father’s brief appearance (played by Bruce Campbell). Bradley is, frankly, arrogant and self-centered, prioritizing his public image and profits while avoiding actual work. He’s had a remarkably privileged upbringing, and Dylan O’Brien portrays this perfectly. He captures the familiar and frustrating type of executive: someone who lacks real skills but expects to profit from others’ efforts.
After Linda confronts Bradley about a promised promotion, he challenges her to prove herself during a company trip to Thailand. However, things quickly go wrong when their plane crashes, leaving them stranded on a deserted tropical island. While the situation offers Linda a chance to demonstrate her abilities, it’s also a struggle as Bradley tries to maintain their usual boss-employee relationship while they fight to survive.
Send Help Lets Sam Raimi Stretch His Horror Muscles Again
The movie presents a series of situations where Linda effortlessly thrives while living off the grid, while Bradley consistently struggles to contribute. It’s full of unexpected twists and humor, showcasing Linda’s impressive skills – she already knows how to collect rainwater, build shelters, and even make her own backpack – while Bradley needs constant assistance. Surprisingly, what makes these scenes work so well is their realism. This might be unexpected for fans of director Sam Raimi, known for his over-the-top style, but it actually becomes a strength of the film, Send Help.
Sam Raimi cleverly lulls the audience into a sense of calm by initially presenting a story that feels like a simple domestic drama, even though it takes place on a deserted island. This makes the sudden bursts of his signature fast-paced, energetic style all the more shocking. A good example is early in the film, when we see Linda carefully setting up camp and explaining the situation to Bradley. Just as she begins tracking a wild boar, Raimi switches to the shaky camera work he’s known for in films like The Evil Dead, leading to a surprisingly violent and humorous climax. The scene works so well because the film has taken its time building to that moment, delivering both emotional impact and a satisfying payoff.
Throughout the movie, the director cleverly uses this dynamic to great effect – it’s funny almost every time. The film gives both McAdams and O’Brien a chance to show a more vulnerable side to their characters, revealing depths we didn’t expect. After building this connection for a few minutes, the movie throws in something shocking and hilarious. There’s a particularly memorable scene where O’Brien tries to escape on his own, but his plan quickly falls apart. He’s forced to return for help, and McAdams’ character promptly vomits on his face – not once, not twice, but four times.
What really makes the movie work is director Sam Raimi’s unique style, bringing a lot of humor and energy. It’s funny to watch Linda truly come alive on the island – she seems to radiate confidence and happiness, visibly glowing on screen. This contrasts sharply with her colleague, who starts to deteriorate. However, the film smartly allows both actors to explore the darker sides of their characters. While O’Brien’s descent into negativity is apparent early on, McAdams brilliantly reveals a playful, mischievous side to Linda, proving once again how incredibly talented and adaptable she is.
Send Help Ends With a Whimper
Despite its strengths, Send Help suffers from two main issues. First, the pacing sometimes feels slow. While the film successfully shifts into thriller territory and features Raimi’s signature style, the constant twists and turns become repetitive, especially after a while. The characters don’t develop in surprising ways, and as a viewer, the repeated patterns lose their impact. Second, the film’s beautiful locations don’t always mesh well with the visual effects. The actors are clearly on a beach for much of the movie, but some scenes are obviously filmed on a set, relying on effects to create the background. This is a common problem in modern filmmaking, and it unfortunately breaks the immersion.
By the end of Send Help, the story loses momentum, resulting in a predictable and familiar third act. The constant betrayals become repetitive and lose their impact. While the ending logically follows the plot, it feels surprisingly mild considering the director’s usual style. Ultimately, the movie’s initial energy fades, and the final scenes don’t quite deliver on the promise of what came before, leaving a slightly disappointing impression.
Send Help is a fun and scary thriller that fans of director Sam Raimi will enjoy, especially those who appreciate his mix of horror and slapstick comedy. Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien deliver strong performances, but the story becomes somewhat predictable as it goes on. It’s a shame Raimi took so long to return to horror, and that this film doesn’t quite maintain its energy throughout.
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2026-01-26 20:15