Send Help, a psychological thriller from Sam Raimi, delivers dark humor and plenty of blood-splattering action for its stars, Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien. Raimi returns to his Evil Dead roots, with absurd, cartoonish violence.
Linda Liddell (McAdams), a rising but awkward Strategy and Planning accountant, is sidelined by her new boss, Bradley Preston (O'Brien), a nepotistic hire. On a business trip, Linda and Bradley are the only survivors of a plane crash. Linda turns the tables on Bradley, using her survival skills to become the king of the jungle.
Rachel McAdams delivers her most memorable role, while Dylan O’Brien plays the nepotistic jerk to the fullest. Actors covet complex roles, and Rachel and Dylan win the jackpot with these intriguing characters who switch up victim/hero roles.
With unexpected and shocking turns, Sam Raimi builds relentless tension, then punctures it with absurd, over-the-top violence that invites the audience to laugh together at the madness.
The film also serves as a cathartic experience for those who can relate to Linda’s horrible boss situation. It’s satisfying to see the reversal of roles when a privileged person becomes useless in a setting where smarts are more valuable.
Send Help is both fun and tragic. The intensity remains throughout, and the joy of watching the interaction between these two characters is palpable.
Don’t blink or you’ll miss a Bruce Campbell cameo early on in the movie.
Send Help is in movie theaters on January 29.
