What happens when someone who is consistently overlooked, ignored and generally treated like they don’t exist finds their place? That is the premise of Sam Raimi’s latest Send Help, a survival thriller that injects some much needed Raimi magic into one of cinemas most under utalised genres and proves that sometimes not only do those discarded by society survive on a deserted island, they thrive!
Linda Liddle (Rachel McAdams) feels lost, alone and under-appreciated in her mundane life as a strategist and planner in a large corporate firm. When the previous CEO passes away his son Bradley Preston (Dylan O’Brien) is thrust into replacing his father but in true “young bull” fashion treats Linda poorly and denies her a promotion that had been promised.
After having some sense talked into him realising the experience that Linda has, and her penchant for the systems and numbers that help the company run, Bradley invites her on a company trip to the other side of the world to assist with an upcoming merger. The plane crashes mid-flight killing most with Linda and Bradley left stranded on an uninhabited island.
Linda, a true tragic fan of the series Survivor having gone as far as to send in an audition tape, knows exactly what to do in order to survive quickly building a makeshift shelter, finding food and particularly showing her skills in the collection of their first bout of fresh water. All while nursing an unconscious Bradley back from the clutches of death. The stark contrast between the two is increasingly shown with Bradley the complete opposite away from the conveniences of modern society, he is still clutching to his boss/employee dynamic spouting no end of snide remarks Linda’s way, if you didn’t despise him enough before you quickly get there.
Send Help feels like a game of cat and mouse with this mismatched pair often switching the power dynamic between two very different personalities. You find yourself wondering where each encounter will lead and leans heavily into the themes of power in the corporate world. Linda in the concrete jungle will never get to shine, despite the fact she is brilliant at what she does, while Bradley has walked into a position of great power, brought his friends with him and never once had to prove his worth or earn it. On the island the roles are reversed, Linda knows this while Bradley continuously fights against it owing to some of the best moments of the film.
You’re leaned into sympathising with Linda, even cheer for her against the perceived evil that her boss exudes from his position of power. Yet there is something darker just under the surface which McAdams fully embraces, little turns of phrase and an unyielding focus. Her want to make Bradley understand without her he will die leaves you questioning her motives and desires.
While Bradley from the outset is an insufferable jerk. O’Brien portrays him as an arrogant bully who is impossible to like, only getting brief moments of respite before snapping us back to the reality of who this person is at their core.
Sam Raimi brings all of his talents and vast genre experiences to the fore with Send Help. Promoted to look like one of his horror mainstays with references to Evil Dead and Drag Me to Hell but it is so much more. Brilliantly writing with witty dialogue and moments that had the cinema roaring with laughter one minute, then roaring with an uncomfortable laughter the next. Its timing is more sedate than others, slowly building tension and leaving just enough for you to form your own conclusion before asking yourself what will happen next. Thankfully though plenty of Raimi’s signature style made it in with just enough horror and blood to remind us who is behind the camera.
Send Help is one of those palette cleanser films. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and is just a fun ride. McAdams and O’Brien work brilliantly together and their chemistry is a big part why it all works so well. Its simple premise, brilliant acting, shifting power dynamic and some breathtaking moments make for a great survival experience that may not stay around for a long time but is definitely fun while you’re in it.
Send Help was filmed partially in Australia and is available now in cinemas.
