Send Help Review
Everyone should know by now that Sam Raimi has such a distinctive directing style that makes his films stand out. From the iconic Evil Dead films to Drag Me to Hell, there’s no denying that Raimi’s a master of the craft. Sure, some audiences might have some hesitations following the mixed response behind the recent Doctor Strange sequel. While that film may have put a damper on how viewers perceive Raimi’s hand at horror-centric filmmaking, there’s an upcoming film that’ll change that mindset. With Send Help, Raimi proves once again why he’s one of the kings of the genre.
Send Help follows an office worker, Linda Liddle (Rachel McAdams), and her boss Bradley Preston (Dylan O’Brien) in a situation that tests their skills and tolerance for each other. While Linda gets belittled by Bradley in the corporate world, the roles are reversed when the two find themselves trapped on a tropical island. Now forced to survive with one another while trying to avoid the dangers of this island, Linda and Bradley must try to put aside their plays at power or inevitably succumb to them.
It can’t be understated how entertaining McAdams and O’Brien are in creating that rivalry between Linda and Bradley. Initially, McAdams gives Linda a timid, yet abrasively optimistic, personality that makes her somewhat of the office’s black sheep. Her loyalty to her former boss, who’s Bradley’s father, openly shows some desperation in her due to a promised promotion he would give. However, the young, fratboy-like Bradley is about as condescending to her in nearly every way. From Bradley being silently annoyed about Linda’s eating habit to him trying to give Linda the let down in a personal meeting, it gives the audience a good sense of who we should root for.
Of course, we’re meant to sympathize with Linda at the beginning, but when the two reach the island, the role reversal plays out hilariously. Linda goes from being the out-of-touch, idiosyncratic office anomaly to this determined, resourceful go-getter, which is confidently established due to her love of Survivor. While she’s somewhat empathetic to Bradley when they first make it, this appreciation slowly transforms into a toxic obsession to remain on the island because of something personal to Linda.
In a way, as Send Help continues to move forward, the way that writers Damian Shannon and Mark Swift allows each lead character to develop while you question who to sympathize with. While Linda shows her survival prowess, there are hints about her character to suggest that her perseverance will lead to a messy ending for both of them. Of course, she’s still the protagonist of this film, but these details certainly make her more of a morally grey character. To put it simply: when Linda wants to get something she wants, she’ll do anything to get it. This unhealthy aspect of Linda is able to create that wedge where the two have once found peace, leading to some exhilarating and hilarious moments.
The exhilarating moments come forth thanks to how Raimi utilizes the forces of nature to break the peace between Linda and Bradley. From a raucous storm that tests the stabilities of both makeshift shelters to the two trying their best to kill a boar on different occasions, these parts of Send Help allow that dynamic between both leads to shift naturally. Particularly, the latter scenes adapt a first-person, Evil Dead-inspired editing style to make those moments stick in the mind. The way that Raimi personifies these things not just as narrative elements, but also dynamic factors in how Linda and Bradley develop is great overall, and that’s not even counting the multiple montages.
Although the film has its action-focused moments, there are also some carefully-paced scenes of tension that have that classic shock factor. These moments are inserted throughout the second act as the two explore the island, which have enough build-up to make the execution of those scary moments land. They can range from being small shockers, like slipping off of a cliff-face, to in-your-face jumpscares, which Raimi really pulls out from his classic playbook. On the jumpscares, they can be somewhat cartoon-y, but given how this film pulls on those tricks, they have a charm that you can’t help but love.
Additionally, the film takes some time to have those emotional conversations between Linda and Bradley. At some points in the film, these scenes make you think that Linda is actually getting through to Bradley and the two will work it out. At other points, especially in the transition into the final act, Bradley’s overbearing bossiness seems to rub off on Linda in ways that make her more intimidating than him. All of this makes for a great way to explore power dynamics, but it also gives you a feeling that there are more fakeouts than not.
Send Help perfectly captures the hilarity and horror of Sam Raimi as Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien deliver their most savage performances yet. It’s a solid exploration of what it takes to survive in ruthless conditions while delivering on the scares and thrills that fans of Raimi’s work are all too familiar with. In the end, this unusual and peculiar mix of dark comedy and horror works to Raimi and his team’s favor.
Send Help releases in theaters on Friday, January 30.
Rating: ★★★★
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.
Send Help Review
Send Help Review