Sam Raimi’s new survival horror-comedy, “Send Help,” starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, is a brilliantly twisted take on workplace dynamics and revenge fantasies.
A Star Turn Subverting Expectations
It’s a familiar setup: Rob Reiner’s 1990 thriller “Misery” hinged on Kathy Bates’ chilling transformation from mousy admirer to vengeful captor. Reiner understood how to weaponize perceived softness, and that same dynamic is at play in Raimi’s latest. But where Bates was a relative unknown, “Send Help” benefits from the subversive casting of Rachel McAdams, an Oscar nominee (“Spotlight”), a romantic comedy icon (“The Notebook”), and a proven comedic villain (“Mean Girls”).
Casting McAdams against type—as a corporate underling stranded with her insufferable boss—initially feels like a gamble. But it’s a risk that pays off handsomely. McAdams doesn’t just play the role; she electrifies it, turning a potentially flat character into a compelling force of nature.
- “Send Help” blends survival thriller elements with dark comedy.
- Rachel McAdams delivers a standout performance, subverting her typical roles.
- The film offers a sharp satire of corporate culture and power dynamics.
- Sam Raimi’s direction balances gruesome moments with playful absurdity.
The story kicks off with Linda Liddle (McAdams) and Bradley Preston (O’Brien) as the sole survivors of a plane crash in the Gulf of Thailand. Suddenly, the power dynamic shifts. Bradley, a relentlessly entitled tyrant, is rendered helpless with a bum leg, utterly dependent on the woman he routinely belittled.
Raimi and screenwriters Damian Shannon and Mark Swift (“Freddy vs. Jason,” “Friday the 13th,” “Baywatch”) quickly establish a pressure cooker environment. The initial survival aspects—building shelter, finding food—feel grounded, reminiscent of films like “Cast Away” or “The Impossible.” But Linda quickly thrives, displaying a resourcefulness and competence that borders on smug satisfaction. She’s not just surviving; she’s enjoying it.
A Deliciously Dark Satire
Meanwhile, Bradley’s descent into helplessness is both pathetic and darkly humorous. He embodies the worst aspects of corporate entitlement, and his inability to cope without his usual privileges is a source of constant amusement. Raimi doesn’t shy away from the gruesome details—there’s a particularly memorable puke gag that rivals his work in “Drag Me to Hell”—but the violence is always balanced with a playful absurdity.
The film’s brilliance lies in its ability to tap into our collective frustration with toxic work environments. Linda’s revenge isn’t just personal; it’s a cathartic release for anyone who’s ever felt undervalued or mistreated by a boss. “Send Help” feels like a modern-day fable, a darkly comedic exploration of power dynamics and the sweet satisfaction of watching the tables turn.
Raimi, at 66, proves he hasn’t lost his touch for blending horror, comedy, and social commentary. “Send Help” is a reminder of his unique vision and his ability to deliver a thrilling, thought-provoking experience. It’s a film that will leave you laughing, cringing, and questioning the power dynamics in your own life.
Grade: A-
From 20th Century Studios, “Send Help” is in theaters January 30.
