‘Send Help’ Review: Vintage Horror Comedy From Sam Raimi

It’s unusual for a director’s name to feel so unnecessary, but that’s the case with Sam Raimi’s credit on Send Help. It’s clearly his work – you can see his style in every shot. From the extreme close-ups and swirling camera angles to the over-the-top gore and dark humor, this movie is unmistakably Raimi’s vision. No other director could have made it quite like this.

Many fans, including myself, have been hoping for a film like Send Help ever since Drag Me to Hell came out in 2009. Both movies are essentially cautionary tales about how easily the ruthless nature of business can turn into something terrifying. They even start with a similar situation: a disagreement over a desired job advancement, in this case one that Linda Little (Rachel McAdams) was led to believe she would receive from her company’s leader.

Sadly for Linda Liddle (her name is intentionally similar to ‘little’), the company’s founder passed away before he could fulfill his promise to her. When his insensitive son, Bradley (played by Dylan O’Brien), inherited the business, he decided not to keep his father’s commitments. Bradley immediately replaced Linda as vice president with a friend from college. He then cruelly made fun of her appearance and even commented on her breath.

Okay, so Linda isn’t exactly management material, according to her boss, Bradley. But she’s a key player in the Strategy and Planning department – too valuable to just let go. That’s why he ends up taking her on a work trip to Thailand, where they’re supposed to wrap up a big merger. But things go horribly wrong! Their private plane gets caught in a terrible storm over the Pacific, and after a really intense crash, Bradley and Linda are the only ones left, stranded on a deserted island. It’s a classic setup, but the way it happens is pretty gripping.

Despite Bradley’s attempts to control Linda, he’s seriously injured in the crash. Even if he hadn’t been, he lacks useful skills and doesn’t really help them survive long enough to be rescued. Linda, however, is both a smart strategist and a huge fan of the reality show Survivor – she’s obsessed and has filled her apartment with survival guides. While being stranded with Linda would be Bradley’s worst nightmare, she’s secretly thrilled. Now she’s in charge, and she’s just as willing to use that power as Bradley was before the crash.

The film sets up an intense and captivating conflict, and director Sam Raimi throws himself into it with unrestrained energy – imagine someone finally getting access to everything they’ve craved after a long period of deprivation. Send Help is Raimi’s first film since 1999’s For Love of the Game without any supernatural elements, but that doesn’t hold him back. The script, by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, allows him to use all his classic filmmaking techniques. Expect plenty of over-the-top gore, startling jump scares, and darkly humorous moments as the two main characters constantly try to gain the upper hand and control limited resources.

Rachel McAdams feels a little out of place as Linda. Known for her role as the popular Regina George in Mean Girls, she doesn’t immediately seem right for the part of a plain, unremarkable office worker. Early in the movie, her character’s style—think drab sweaters and messy hair—reminds you a bit of the makeover trope in She’s All That. It’s not a shock, then, when she starts to transform and become more attractive while stuck on the remote island—apparently, the waterfalls work wonders on damaged hair!

Despite not physically resembling the character, McAdams was clearly a great choice because she fully commits to Linda’s often ridiculous plans with obvious enjoyment. A typical hero in a Sam Raimi film isn’t afraid to look foolish – they stumble, fail, make questionable choices, and get messy. McAdams clearly loves those moments, and that’s exactly what the role needs.

O’Brien is fantastic as Linda’s opponent, easily earning the audience’s disapproval with his constant, irritatingly smug expressions and chuckles. Bradley is unlikeable, and viewers initially enjoy seeing Linda get a chance to get back at him. However, when Linda starts treating Bradley just as badly, O’Brien skillfully manages to make us both despise his character and feel sympathy for him – a surprisingly difficult accomplishment.

Okay, so “Send Help” didn’t quite stick the landing for me. It’s got this really interesting, unsettling look at how people treat each other, and it reminded me of those classic Twilight Zone episodes – which, let’s be honest, work best when they’re concise. They tried stretching that show out once with longer episodes, and it just didn’t work! With Bradley and Linda stranded on that island, things started to drag a bit, and honestly, I saw one of the twists coming a mile away if you were paying attention. It just lost some momentum towards the end.

Despite some weaker moments in the middle, the film ends strongly, delivering a conclusion that feels very much like classic Sam Raimi. Since Drag Me to Hell, Raimi has directed only a few movies – Oz the Great and Powerful and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – which showed his skill with large-scale effects, but didn’t quite allow his unique, often darkly humorous style to shine. Fans who’ve been waiting for Raimi to return to his roots will be pleased; this film is a welcome return to form.

Additional Thoughts:

Known for his playful sense of humor, Raimi included a few hidden references to his films Evil Dead and Spider-Man for dedicated fans.

Honestly, it just hit me – it’s 2026, and Sam Raimi delivered a completely original, hard-R horror film! It’s not a retread of old ground, not part of an existing franchise, and definitely not based on some random property. It feels amazing – real movies are back, and it’s so refreshing to see!

RATING: 8/10

The Best Superhero Movie Of Every Year From 2000 to Today

2000: X-Men

It’s true that the first X-Men film looks dated, especially with those black leather suits, and Hugh Jackman’s physique wasn’t as developed as it would become in later movies. However, the film played a key role in launching the superhero movie craze of the 2000s. It successfully captured the essence of the characters and presented them in a streamlined way that appealed to a wide audience. Interestingly, Hugh Jackman almost didn’t get the part of Wolverine! He was the filmmakers’ second choice, and only landed the role after Dougray Scott, who was originally cast, had to leave due to scheduling conflicts with Mission: Impossible II.

2001: Spy Kids

I remember when superhero movies weren’t a constant thing like they are now – it took a while for them to really take off in the 2000s. But even before that, you started seeing comic book ideas pop up everywhere, even in movies that weren’t strictly superhero films. Take Robert Rodriguez’s Spy Kids, for example. It’s about kids on a spy adventure, but honestly, it felt more like a superhero movie blended with James Bond and a little bit of Home Alone! It was a really strange mix, but it totally worked. People loved it, and that’s why Rodriguez has kept making Spy Kids movies, reboots, and even TV shows all these years.

2002: Spider-Man

With so many Spider-Man films coming out these days, it’s easy to overlook how groundbreaking Sam Raimi’s original Spider-Man movie was back in 2002. It was truly ahead of its time, getting everything perfect – from the costume and action to the special effects and the emotional impact of Uncle Ben’s death and Peter Parker’s complicated relationships with Norman and Harry Osborn. It fundamentally changed how audiences viewed superhero films and paved the way for the current era of interconnected cinematic universes. Plus, how many superhero movies have imitated its iconic final scene of Spider-Man swinging through New York City?

2003: X2

X2 might be the most significant superhero film of the 21st century. While the first X-Men and Spider-Man movies showed that comics could be successfully adapted to the big screen, X2 demonstrated that movies could actually improve upon them. The thrilling action sequences, like Nightcrawler’s attack on the White House, were more dynamic and visually impressive than anything possible in a comic book. The film’s climactic dam burst marked the true beginning of the modern superhero movie boom, and cinema was forever changed.

2004: Spider-Man 2

Without the pressure of having to explain Spider-Man’s beginnings and a new story in one movie, Sam Raimi created a compelling and detailed film about Peter Parker’s struggles. A key part of this is his relationship with a gifted scientist (Alfred Molina, who delivers what many consider the best performance in any Spider-Man movie) whose unchecked ambition and dangerous robotic arms drive the plot. Even after more than 15 years, the film still looks fantastic—the train sequence is a standout moment in the entire Marvel universe. The way the movie relentlessly throws one problem after another at Peter Parker makes the eventual happy, yet poignant, ending feel truly earned.

2005: Batman Begins

With Batman Begins, the series got a much-needed reboot. It simplified things, getting rid of unnecessary baggage and focusing on Batman’s beginnings. The film introduced Christian Bale as a new Bruce Wayne and featured a surprisingly layered villain, played by Liam Neeson. While Christopher Nolan would later make an even better Batman film, Batman Begins is still considered one of the best in the franchise.

2006: X-Men: The Last Stand

While not a masterpiece, X-Men: The Last Stand is better than many remember. It has some genuinely good moments – Ian McKellen is fantastic as Magneto, the Danger Room scene lives up to the hype, and Kelsey Grammer perfectly embodies the Beast, a character who later appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, the storyline involving the Dark Phoenix is a significant weak point. Overall, it’s a flawed film, but it stands out as one of the better superhero movies from 2006.

2007: Spider-Man 3

Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3 has often been criticized – even by Raimi himself, who once felt it didn’t quite succeed. While it’s true the movie isn’t perfect, it contains some of the best action scenes from the Tobey Maguire trilogy, such as the thrilling rescue of Gwen Stacy. A common complaint is the portrayal of Venom, especially the way the black suit is played for laughs, like when Peter Parker, influenced by the suit, starts dancing in the streets. These moments definitely felt different from the trend of darker, more serious superhero films at the time. However, if you see Spider-Man 3 as Raimi intentionally poking fun at the idea of a ‘dark’ comic book movie, it actually works surprisingly well. Many people have even come to appreciate Tobey Maguire’s over-the-top ’emo’ phase and his questionable dance moves!

2008: The Dark Knight

As a movie reviewer, I have to say Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight still feels like the gold standard for superhero films – honestly, for all blockbusters. It was a visual feast, especially in IMAX – a format it really popularized – but it wasn’t just spectacle. The film actually made you think, raising some genuinely interesting moral questions. And let’s be real, it gave us lines that are still instantly recognizable today – that famous quote about becoming the villain is shockingly brilliant for a Batman movie! Everything about it feels iconic, from Heath Ledger’s unforgettable Joker to Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard’s incredible score, and even the sheer coolness of the Bat-pod. More than ten years later, I still haven’t seen anything that truly tops it.

2009: Watchmen

Zack Snyder’s film adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ Watchmen is similar to Gus Van Sant’s remake of Psycho: it’s very faithful to the source material, but feels a bit lifeless, though still sometimes captivating. The opening credits, which cleverly depict how Watchmen‘s superheroes might have changed 20th-century history, are still the most impressive part. While Damon Lindelof’s recent series has since surpassed it, Snyder’s Watchmen remains an interesting film to revisit, especially considering how the superhero genre has developed since its release in 2009, and it stands out as a somewhat experimental take on the genre.

2010: Super

Before James Gunn directed the popular Guardians of the Galaxy, he created this sharp and honest comedy about a man (Rainn Wilson) who tries to fight crime, even though he has no special abilities or strength. It’s similar to the movie Taxi Driver, but with a comedic twist—and it’s just as intense and thought-provoking.

2011: Captain America: The First Avenger

Okay, so the plot isn’t perfect – they kind of rush through a whole war with a montage – but Chris Evans as Captain America? Seriously, it’s the best casting choice the MCU has ever made, in my opinion. They took a character people thought was boring or outdated and turned him into someone really compelling, with a genuine heart. The other Captain America movies are great, but this one just gets Steve Rogers better than any of them. If I need a movie to lift my spirits, this is always the one I reach for.

2012: The Avengers

Wow, revisiting the first Avengers after everything that followed – Infinity War and Endgame – still feels like witnessing a genuine cinematic achievement. It’s amazing how perfectly all those heroes clicked, and the story is so well-paced. And that Battle of New York? Seriously, it remains one of the most thrilling action sequences in any superhero movie. Marvel’s definitely scaled up since then, but have they actually topped it? I’m not sure anything beats lines like “Puny god” or “That’s my secret, Captain. I’m always angry!” It’s definitely up for debate.

2013: Iron Man 3

This is a solid movie that’s slightly weakened by being part of the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. The entire film builds towards Tony Stark retiring as Iron Man, but then he ended up making several more movies! (And that’s before you even consider Robert Downey Jr. reprising the role as a different character.) While the villain, Killian, isn’t particularly memorable, the scenes between Robert Downey Jr. and his surprisingly mature young sidekick are excellent. Most Marvel movies benefit from being viewed within the context of the wider universe, but Iron Man 3 is unusual in that it might actually be better if you watched it completely on its own, without thinking about everything else.

2014: Guardians of the Galaxy

The first Guardians of the Galaxy movie showed that Marvel could draw audiences to lesser-known characters. Many longtime Marvel fans weren’t even familiar with the Guardians before the film came out—they were a relatively obscure team before James Gunn’s movie turned them into a big hit. And, just for the record, Rocket is the best Guardian – that’s simply a fact.

2015: Avengers: Age of Ultron

Both The Avengers (3.7) and Avengers: Age of Ultron (3.2) have relatively low scores on Letterboxd. While most people agree the first film was better, it’s surprising how much negativity Age of Ultron receives. The movie’s climax, with the Avengers uniting to save Sokovia, perfectly captures the spirit of Marvel films. It’s possible opinions on Ultron will improve over time – the Spider-Man films directed by Sam Raimi also faced criticism initially.

2016: Captain America: Civil War

While Captain America: Civil War doesn’t quite succeed as a deep exploration of opposing ideologies or a tightly plotted thriller – the story doesn’t hold up to close examination – it’s a fantastic film for seeing the original MCU heroes in action. The movie culminates in a spectacular, large-scale fight sequence at an airport, effectively showcasing these characters.

2017: The LEGO Batman Movie

My oldest daughter went through a phase where she absolutely loved The LEGO Batman Movie. We watched it countless times over a couple of years – it’s easily one of the most rewatchable movies of the last ten years. It’s packed with visual jokes, puns, and references to Batman history, and Will Arnett is brilliant as the voice of LEGO Batman. I’ve seen a lot of kids’ movies in the past decade, and this one is by far the funniest. What’s great is that it doesn’t make fun of Batman or the comics; it’s a genuinely affectionate tribute to everything that makes the Dark Knight special.

2018: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

While more isn’t always better, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse could very well be the definitive Spider-Man movie – at least, it was until Across the Spider-Verse came out. The film boasts a large team of Spider-People, including the new hero Miles Morales, the determined Gwen Stacy, and a surprisingly down-to-earth, older Peter B. Parker. It also brilliantly captures the core message of the original Amazing Spider-Man comics from the 1960s – that anyone can be a hero if they use their abilities responsibly – and transforms it into a visually stunning tribute to those ideals.

2019: Avengers: Endgame

No superhero film faced a bigger challenge than Avengers: Endgame. It needed to deliver a satisfying conclusion to a major cliffhanger, tie up storylines from over 20 previous Marvel movies, and still be a great film on its own. Remarkably, Kevin Feige, the Russo brothers, and the Marvel Studios team succeeded. Despite being packed with references for fans, the movie never lets those details overshadow the story, action, or the emotional ending to Robert Downey Jr.’s journey as Iron Man.

2020: The Old Guard

Inspired by a comic book, The Old Guard features a team of immortal warriors—led by Charlize Theron—who fight to protect the world. They face a new threat in a ruthless pharmaceutical executive (played brilliantly by Harry Melling) determined to discover the source of their powers. While many superhero films focus on action, director Gina Prince-Bythewood adds depth and explores the emotional toll of living forever, making this film stand out by actually considering the downsides of immortality.

2021: Spider-Man: No Way Home

Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie is comparable to Sam Raimi’s third installment – both films try to do too much by including a lot of villains. However, this movie does a great job of capturing what makes Peter Parker relatable: he’s someone who struggles but always keeps trying. It’s also significant because it was the film that really introduced the multiverse to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, making it a key moment for the franchise.

2022: RRR

This exciting Indian film delivers three hours of non-stop entertainment with stunning visuals, a sweeping romance, catchy music, and thrilling action. It’s similar to classic action movies by John Woo, but with a South Asian twist, focusing on two strong men on opposite sides of the law who unexpectedly team up. These men are Bheem, a warrior from the Gond tribe, and Rama, a soldier in the British army. Bheem travels to Delhi to rescue a kidnapped girl, while Rama is tasked with finding the man searching for her. Instead of becoming enemies, a chance encounter leads to an unlikely friendship. Though they don’t have superpowers, the film clearly draws inspiration from the superhero genre. Director S.S. Rajamouli himself calls it a story about the imaginary friendship between two heroes, and their energy and enthusiasm elevate the genre to new heights.

2023: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Wow, “Across the Spider-Verse” really takes everything that made “Into the Spider-Verse” so special and cranks it up to eleven. As a critic, I was absolutely blown away by the visuals – seriously, it’s even more stunning and inventive than the first film. We see Miles Morales team up with Spider-Man 2099 and a whole “Spider Society” to tackle a new villain, The Spot, who’s causing chaos across the multiverse. Each Spider-Person’s world feels incredibly unique – Spider-Gwen’s is like a living watercolor painting, and Spider-Man India’s “Mumbattan” is bursting with vibrant yellows and greens. My only real complaint? This is clearly the first half of a larger story, and at times, it feels like it. But honestly, even with that caveat, I can confidently say you won’t see a more exciting or visually impressive superhero film all year.

2024: Deadpool & Wolverine

The playful dynamic between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman is a major highlight. The surprise appearances are genuinely shocking. However, the plot struggles with excessive explanations and ultimately feels confusing. (The movie gives two tragic backstories to one character – is that really necessary?) Thankfully, Reynolds and Jackman nail the Deadpool and Wolverine pairing, and their reluctant teamwork is what fans have been hoping for as they try to save the characters from the Fox X-Men films.

2026-01-26 20:33