At a Glance
- Sam Raimi’s latest film, Send Help, blends workplace satire with survival comedy.
- The movie stars Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien in a story that shifts from office politics to a desert island.
- Critics note Raimi’s signature mix of gross-out humor and dark satire, earning a 2.5/5 rating.
- Why it matters: Fans of Raimi’s earlier work and genre-mixing films will find Send Help a bold, if uneven, addition to his catalog.
Send Help arrives on the big screen on January 30, 2026. The 113-minute feature, directed by Sam Raimi, follows an office nerd, Linda Liddle, and her new boss, Brad, as they are stranded on a desert island. The film promises a mash-up of genres-survival horror, screwball comedy, and modern rom-com-while delivering Raimi’s trademark “raisin soup” of incongruous elements.
Film Overview
Send Help is described as a twisted workplace comedy that escalates into a survival scenario. The plot centers on Linda, an office nerd played by Rachel McAdams, who is passed over for a promotion she deserves. Brad, her new boss portrayed by Dylan O’Brien, immediately undermines her. The dynamic shifts when the two are marooned on an island, forcing Linda to use skills she learned from watching Survivor.
Key Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Rachel McAdams | Linda Liddle |
| Dylan O’Brien | Brad |
| Dennis Haysbert | [Unnamed] |
| Xavier Samuel | [Unnamed] |
| Edyll Ismail | [Unnamed] |
| Emma Raimi | [Unnamed] |
The film’s supporting cast includes Dennis Haysbert, Xavier Samuel, Edyll Ismail, and Emma Raimi, though their roles are not detailed in the review.
Plot and Characters
The narrative begins in a typical office setting, highlighting corporate clichés of cubicles and suspenders. Linda’s transformation from “greasy geek” to “beachfront hottie” and finally to “manipulative monster” mirrors the film’s shifting tone. Brad’s character arc, from a sexist boss to a somewhat sympathetic figure, showcases Raimi’s willingness to blur moral lines.
The story’s abrupt transition to a deserted island introduces a survival element. Here, Linda’s “bush skills” are tested, while Brad’s “depth” is explored. The film uses this setting to push the characters into extreme scenarios, blending gross-out gags with dark humor.
Style and Themes
Raimi’s direction is noted for its “raisin soup” approach-combining disparate elements such as pratfall comedy, gross-out sight gags, and a giddy sense of cruelty. The reviewer describes the film as a “big live-action cartoon” with “ghoulish and gooey streaks.” This style evokes a mix of Peter Jackson’s Meet the Feebles and M. Night Shyamalan’s recent work, yet Raimi avoids being weighed down by Hitchcockian pretensions.
A recurring theme is the subtext of ambitious women in the workplace. The film critiques the superficial sheen of feminism by portraying Linda’s gradual descent into despicable behavior, while Brad’s character becomes increasingly sympathetic. This dynamic keeps audiences questioning their loyalties.
Reception and Rating
The review rates Send Help 2.5 out of 5. The film’s uneven blend of genres and overreliance on gross humor result in a mixed reception. While some viewers may appreciate Raimi’s signature style, others may find the narrative “curdled” and the characters “awful” for the film’s duration.
Production Details
Send Help was released in 2026 and runs for 113 minutes. The film was directed by Sam Raimi and written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift. It features Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, both known for their work in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Love and Monsters, respectively.
The production’s marketing emphasized the film’s genre-mixing nature, positioning it as a “twisted workplace comedy” that “vaults between genres.”
Final Thoughts
For fans of Raimi’s earlier work, Send Help offers a familiar blend of satire and dark humor. However, the film’s attempt to juggle multiple tones may leave some viewers dissatisfied. The reviewer suggests that if one enjoys Raimi’s “signature raisin soup,” the film will be a gut buster, but it may also feel creatively stunted.
Donation Note
Bold and uncensored, News Of Austin has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.
More by Morgan J. Carter
