As a big fan of Sam Raimi‘s early work, I’m really excited about his new movie, ‘Send Help’! It’s been over 15 years since he’s done a truly original film, something outside of big franchises, and it looks like he’s going back to those fun, scary, and often bloody genre movies that first got me hooked on his directing.
This funny and scary movie features Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle, a slightly quirky woman who works as a financial strategist and is a big fan of the reality show Survivor.
Linda usually gets pushed around by her difficult boss, Bradley (Dylan O’Brien). But after a plane crash leaves them stranded on a deserted island, the power shifts – and Linda suddenly finds herself in charge.
Damian Shannon and Mark Swift wrote the screenplay, originally presenting the concept to Zainab Azizi, Sam Raimi’s producing partner, years earlier. Azizi immediately recognized its potential, and after sharing it with Raimi, he enthusiastically embraced the idea.
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Azizi explained that Sam is naturally drawn to stories about people overcoming challenges, which is why the initial pitch for the project resonated with him. The story was both fresh and relatable, and what really made it stand out was the main character’s background as a ‘Survivor’ fan. Because of this, she arrives on the island prepared and knows how to navigate the situation, a detail Azizi knew Sam would appreciate.
Raimi shared Azizi’s initial positive reaction and particularly enjoyed the opportunity to portray two characters who reveal their authentic selves as they navigate the film’s unfamiliar environments and challenges.
The film centers around a power dynamic between two colleagues from the business world. He maintains control and expects her to remain subordinate, simply because of his position as the boss.
These workplace roles and expectations are all just created by the company. When people are removed from that structured environment, their true personalities emerge. Some, like her, adapt and thrive, demonstrating skills and a strong work ethic. Others, like him, only know how to lead by giving orders and don’t know how to contribute in other ways.
He doesn’t have many useful skills here, and it’s interesting to watch them both realize that. She’s discovering her own strength and value, while he’s learning he’s not very effective as he is now. It’s not just about the island exposing their abilities, though; it’s also about them developing and growing into their roles.
She’s always had the ability, but our society never gave her the opportunity to show it. He, on the other hand, has always been inadequate, but his position of power prevented anyone from recognizing that.
Beyond the main idea, the film is also really fun because it features the same over-the-top, cartoonish violence that made director Sam Raimi’s earlier films, like Evil Dead, so memorable.
The film features several delightfully gruesome moments – notably a scene involving a wild boar with plenty of blood and gore – and it’s clear director Sam Raimi relished the freedom to create something so intense and over-the-top again.
Honestly, one of the biggest joys of seeing this film with an audience is witnessing their reaction to moments like that sequence – it really delivers! As a filmmaker, it’s incredibly satisfying to use those moments to illustrate the sheer struggle my character, Linda Liddle, faces just to survive on this island. And, I’ll admit, revisiting some of the practical effects – like the blood – was a blast!
Send Help is released in UK cinemas on Thursday 5th February 2026.
Authors
Patrick Cremona is TopMob’s Senior Film Writer, covering new movies in theaters and on streaming platforms. He’s been with the site since October 2019, and during that time has interviewed many famous actors and reviewed a wide variety of films.
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2026-02-05 13:36