Prepare for a wild ride! Sam Raimi's latest, 'Send Help,' is an absolute blast, dripping with his signature blend of over-the-top gore and delightfully cheap scares, reminiscent of his classic 'Evil Dead' days. It’s the kind of movie that reminds you why you love going to the cinema!
This film introduces us to Linda Liddle, portrayed by the wonderfully dorky Rachel McAdams. Linda is a financial strategist who, despite being incredibly dedicated and skilled at her job, seems to fly under the radar of her new boss, Bradley. Bradley, played by Dylan O’Brien, has inherited his father’s position and, unfortunately for Linda, seems to have inherited a strong aversion to her presence. He’d rather not acknowledge her at all, which creates a hilariously awkward and tension-filled dynamic. Linda, on the other hand, finds herself quite smitten with him, making their interactions painfully compelling – you simply can't look away!
The awkwardness escalates when Bradley is forced to bring Linda along on a business trip. The atmosphere on this trip is anything but friendly; the other colleagues are just as unpleasant as Bradley, who fully embraces his role as the ultimate jerk. But then, disaster strikes mid-flight! The plane encounters severe turbulence and, in a truly Raimi-esque twist, cracks open mid-air.
But here's where it gets controversial... Linda miraculously washes ashore on a deserted island, only to find Bradley joining her shortly after. This sets the stage for what can only be described as a twisted battle of the sexes, a modern-day echo of the savage conflict seen in 'The War of the Roses.'
Linda proves to be a true survivor, possessing the grit and intelligence to conquer the harsh island environment. Bradley, however, is revealed to be a pampered and utterly incompetent individual, whose privileged life has left him ill-equipped for survival. And this is the part most people miss: While Linda is inherently good-natured, as the script by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift skillfully reminds us, prolonged exposure to someone who despises you can transform even the kindest soul. You know what they say about a woman scorned...
'Send Help' evokes the spirit of 'Drag Me to Hell,' another of Raimi's fun-filled horror offerings where scares are delivered through clever, unexpected moments rather than cheap jump-scares. Raimi's unwavering commitment to his 'Evil Dead' roots, while keeping the film light, enjoyable, and surprisingly poignant, is a major strength. The film’s other half of its power comes from its fantastic screenwriters and its lead actors, McAdams and O’Brien. They both inhabit their roles with such charm and chemistry, channeling a lost era of Old Hollywood charisma, though it’s always clear who’s truly in charge of the narrative.
In an era where directors often stray from their signature styles, it’s refreshing to see Raimi deliver a fast-paced, campy, and thoroughly entertaining experience that more than justifies the price of admission. Rated 'A' for adult audiences due to its gore and gruesomeness, 'Send Help' is a must-see for anyone over 15 looking for a genuinely fun and thrilling time at the movies.
What do you think? Is Linda's transformation a justified response to Bradley's cruelty, or does her eventual turn go too far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
