Known for films like the “Spider-man” trilogy, “The Evil Dead,” and “Drag Me to Hell” it was no surprise to see director Sam Raimi directing another horror comedy, this time the recently released “Send Help,” starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien. However, after leaving the theater I was left needing help finding reasons to recommend seeing this film.
McAdams plays a meek woman named Linda Liddle, who works in the strategy and planning department of a company run by Bradly Preston (O’Brien). She’s up for a promotion that Bradley’s father promised her before passing away and giving the company to his son. However, Bradley is your stereotypical young frat-bro, power-hungry boss who bullies Linda and gives her promotion to one of his golfing buddies.
Everything changes after a plane crash occurs that results in Linda and Bradley becoming the sole survivors washing ashore onto a tiny island somewhere in the waters off Thailand. A shift in power happens, as meek Linda becomes super survivalist, flexing just how far her strategy and planning abilities can take her. Bradley is injured and as good as dead without Linda’s help. Their egos clash and their pride needs to be broken as the intense plot moves along walking the line of survival and sanity.
It missed the mark for me in a couple of ways, but the most glaring was the overly grotesque gore that felt like it was just there for the sake of it, not really adding to the storytelling. Don’t get me wrong, when done correctly, gore can be used well in a story. There are entire communities out there who flock to films just for the gore. However this film used it less for the benefit of story and more just for the gags. Genre blending like it had a checklist to tick off and not because the plot called for it.
I was also confused with where the $40 million budget was spent. The film takes place almost entirely on an island, where unfortunately, it was clear what plants were real or fake. You’d think with a budget like that the plants would be real or at the very least not look like a faux plant you could buy for cheap at a department store. Secondly the special effects and CGI felt aged, something you’d see in the early 2000s at the start of this technology not what we’ve grown to be impressed by in 2026.
Negatives aside, McAdams and O’Brien both deliver as the leads. Each did a stellar job navigating their relationship as survivors on this island while switching power dynamics. The psychological thriller themes were met and the emotional depth was there, I just wished the film leaned into these strengths instead of the comedy and gore that often felt forced and unnecessary. McAdams also did a wonderful job unfolding the multitudes of her character’s personality, it felt like we as the audience were learning all about her and her past right alongside Bradley on the island: nervous, intrigued and impressed by her as she blossomed in a whole new way outside of the office.
Leave your preconceived assumptions on power dynamics and gender roles at the door and give it a watch. Especially if you are a fan of senseless gore and the television show “Survivor” then definitely carve out some time from home to watch. Maybe make it a watch party with friends, place your bets on where the plot is headed, much like you would place guesses on who will win in “Survivor.” But don’t go racing out to the big screens to see it in the theater, earning a low 2 out of 5 on the spicy scale.