Send Help Review: Sam Raimi’s Dark, Smart Return to R-Rated Horror

After many years away from full horror, director Sam Raimi is back with Send Help, an R-rated survival horror film that mixes blood, dark comedy, and sharp social commentary. While it’s marketed as a brutal horror movie, Send Help is actually something more interesting — a clever battle of power, ego, and control between two people stranded on a deserted island.

This film proves that Raimi hasn’t lost his edge, even if he takes a more controlled approach than fans might expect.

A Horror Film With a Psychological Twist

At first glance, Send Help looks like a classic survival horror story. A plane crashes into the ocean, two people survive, and danger waits on a remote island. But beneath the gore and tension, the movie focuses on human behavior, especially how power shifts when social rules disappear.

The real horror here isn’t just blood or death — it’s ego, entitlement, and manipulation.

Strong Performances Carry the Film

The movie is driven almost entirely by its two leads:

• Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle

• Dylan O’Brien as Bradley Preston

McAdams delivers a standout performance as Linda, a hardworking but socially awkward employee who has been ignored and disrespected for years. Her character feels real, relatable, and quietly strong. As the story unfolds, Linda transforms in surprising ways that make her more than just a victim or hero.

O’Brien plays Bradley, a confident but insecure CEO who is used to control and privilege. When that control disappears, his character becomes both funny and uncomfortable to watch. His performance balances arrogance, fear, and desperation very well.

From Office Politics to Island Survival

The film begins in a familiar setting: a toxic corporate workplace. Linda is promised a promotion that never comes. Bradley, the new CEO and son of the company’s founder, favors his rich friends instead of rewarding real talent.

When Linda confronts him, they board a private jet together — which soon crashes into the ocean.

Once stranded on the island, the power dynamic completely flips.

Linda, who has spent years quietly preparing herself through survival books and TV shows, adapts quickly. She finds water, builds fires, and takes control of their situation. Bradley, injured and shaken, struggles to accept that he is no longer in charge.

This shift is where the movie truly shines.

A Smart Take on Power and Gender

Send Help avoids being a simple “men vs women” story. Instead, it explores how anyone can misuse power once they have it. Linda’s growth on the island is empowering, but the film also challenges the audience by questioning how far survival and control should go.

This balance keeps the movie interesting and prevents it from becoming predictable or preachy.

Sam Raimi’s Signature Style — Used Carefully

Fans of Sam Raimi will recognize his trademark style:

• Sudden jump scares

• Dark humor in violent moments

• Over-the-top reactions

• Bloody visual effects

However, this time Raimi holds back more than expected. Some scenes feel intentionally slower, especially in the middle of the film. While there are moments of gore — including animal violence and gross-out scenes — the focus stays on character tension rather than nonstop chaos.

This might disappoint viewers expecting extreme horror, but others will appreciate the restraint.

Beautiful Locations and Strong Cinematography

The island scenes were filmed mainly in Thailand, and the visuals are stunning. Cinematographer Bill Pope keeps the setting bright and realistic, which makes the darker moments feel more unsettling.

The contrast between the peaceful island and the growing psychological tension works very well.

A Few Weak Points

While Send Help is engaging, it’s not perfect:

• The middle section feels slow at times

• Some horror fans may want a bigger, crazier ending

• Raimi’s classic chaos is slightly toned down

That said, these issues don’t ruin the film. The strong script and performances keep things interesting until the end.

Final Verdict: Worth Watching

Send Help is not just a horror movie — it’s a smart survival thriller with dark humor and social commentary. Sam Raimi may not go fully wild this time, but he delivers a thoughtful and entertaining film that feels fresh.

If you enjoy psychological tension, strong acting, and horror with meaning, this movie is definitely worth your time.