Sam Raimi’s Send Help delivers a gory thrill ride

Send Help stars Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien as Linda Liddle, a dorky financial strategist whose new boss, Bradley (played by O’Brien), is none too impressed with her work ethic. The film’s tension builds as their strained relationship escalates during a brutal business trip on an overcast plane ride that crashes mid-flight. Linda washes ashore alone, while the spoiled Bradley lands beside her — but where he struggles to adapt, Linda adapts with natural flair.

As they spend time together on the isolated island, the dynamics take a sinister turn, turning their relationship into a twisted power struggle reminiscent of The War of the Roses. While Linda’s strength and determination are legendary, Bradley’s privileged upbringing proves detrimental to his survival chances. Yet her inherent good nature never falters throughout this harrowing journey.

Written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, Send Help seamlessly blends Raimi’s signature horror roots with a script that cleverly avoids cheap jump scares in favor of thoughtful suspense. The film is anchored by the powerhouse performances of McAdams and O’Brien, whose chemistry on screen feels almost as real as their characters’ evolving relationship.

The director’s adherence to his beloved Evil Dead playbook ensures a cohesive narrative while allowing for plenty of lighthearted moments, a rare gem in today’s saturated horror landscape. It’s clear that Send Help is an audacious and entertaining film for any fan of classic Raimi style or those looking for a fun night out at the movies.

A 20th Century Studios and HKC release, Send Help has been rated as suitable for mature audiences thanks to its gore and gruesomeness. For anyone over the age of 15, it’s guaranteed entertainment that delivers much more than just popcorn value.

Originally published in Dawn on February 22nd, 2026, this film now stands out as a standout entry in Raimi’s ever-growing collection of masterpieces.