Review “Send Help”

By Morgan Roberts

Director: Sam Raimi
Writers: Damian Shannon and Mark Swift
Stars: Rachel McAdams, Dylan O’Brien, Edyll Ismail, Dennis Haysbert, Xavier Samuel, Chris Pang
Runtime: 113 minutes
Year: 2026

How would you fair trapped on a remote island with your shitty boss? In Sam Raimi’s latest film, “Send Help,” the ultimate survivalist cat-and-mouse game commences. Linda (Rachel McAdams) has worked at the same firm for years, dedicating her life to this ambiguous corporation. When the new CEO Bradley Preston (Dylan O’Brien), the company automatically becomes a boy club, with Linda now facing the possible loss of her job due to her frumpy appearance and rancid choice for lunch. But she’s given one final chance with an acquisition meeting. While en route, the private plane she, Bradley, and others are on crashes, with Linda and Bradley as the only survivors.

Dylan O’Brien and Rachel McAdams in “Send Help” | 20th Century Studios

“Send Help” squarely positions these two characters at odds with each other. It is not only the employer/employee dynamic which is introduced early on, but there is also subtext of extreme wealth versus working class. Sure, Linda works a more white collar job, sits in a cubicle all day. But she is certainly a cog in a machine that ensures Bradley and his inner circle remain rich without her being able to tap into the rewards of her labor. Nevertheless, on the island, Linda now has the upper hand, shifting the duo’s dynamics.

McAdams is exceedingly entertaining as she manages to clearly have a blast with the more absurdist fun in the film while ensuring the deeply human layers of Linda shine through. She exudes the same earnestness as Linda divulges about her personal life as she does hunting a boar in a truly outrageous scene. These films work well when humor and heart can be injected into them, and throughout her career, McAdams has demonstrated she is a true master of the craft as she effortlessly weaves both into this film.

As she screen partner for the majority of the film, O’Brien clearly understands is role. “Send Help” is very much a McAdams showcase, and O’Brien shows up without showing off. He plays Bradley as vain and petulant man child, who feels entitled to everything despite being well out of his depth. He plays more of a caricature which works perfectly for this film. Much like McAdams, he knows the film is aiming to be audacious in its choices and comedy.

Rachel McAdams in “Send Help” | 20th Century Studios

Where the film suffers is its runtime. It becomes too repetitive to always remain interesting. For a horror film with comedic elements, the fact it ventured anywhere past the 95 minute mark was a real detriment to the film. If it had been tighter, I think it could have maintained its pace and momentum. Additionally, as someone who struggles with Sam Raimi as a filmmaker, his fan service (or self-serving) nods to his other work felt forced. Moreover, some moments appeared to be inspired by Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance,” and sadly became distracting in not the intended manner.

Despite some minor elements and runtime issues, “Send Help” is a rip roaring great time. With two actors clearly having a blast, it’s not difficult to get swept up in the do-or-die circumstances in the film. And ultimately, the film is a showcase for McAdams who balances the comedic beats, horror elements, and brings earnestness in all the right ways.

Grade: B

Pair This Film With: “Bodies Bodies Bodies” (2022) dir. Halina Reijn; “The Substance” (2024) dir. Coralie Fargeat; “The Watchers” (2024) dir. Ishana Night Shyamalan