FILM REVIEW: Sam Raimi Returns to Top Form with 'Send Help' – A Tense, Twisted Survival Thriller

Director Sam Raimi is back in his element with Send Help, his latest offering co-written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift. This tightly crafted, one-location (mostly) horror-thriller-survival tale delivers on every front: razor-sharp pacing, stunning cinematography, impressive practical special effects, and standout performances from its leads.

Rachel McAdams shines as Linda Liddle, a disgruntled yet highly competent corporate accountant and secret survival enthusiast. She's overlooked and passed over for a well-earned promotion by her narcissistic, monstrous new boss, Bradley Preston, played with delicious venom by Dylan O'Brien. When tensions boil over, Bradley invites (or rather, forces) Linda along on a private jet to a high-stakes business meeting. But disaster strikes: the plane malfunctions and crashes, leaving them as the only survivors on a remote deserted island.

What follows is a gripping fight for survival where the power dynamic flips dramatically. Linda's resourcefulness and survival know-how (honed from her obsession with shows like Survivor) put her in control, while Bradley's arrogance crumbles in the face of real danger. Dark secrets emerge, alliances fracture, and the film delivers a series of satisfying twists and turns that keep you guessing right up to a clever, well-earned ending.

Raimi masters the small-cast, confined-setting format here, turning isolation into visual and psychological gold—just as he did in classics like The Evil Dead and Drag Me to Hell. When given a big canvas (think his Spider-Man trilogy), he proves he can handle spectacle, but Send Help shows why he's at his best in intimate, character-driven horror: building unbearable tension, layering dark comedy, and unleashing signature Raimi flair—those iconic Dutch angles, kinetic camera work, and over-the-top grotesque moments. Danny Elfman's amazing score also adds another layer of classic energy, amplifying the unease and thrills.

Finally - Fans will be able spot subtle nods to Evil Dead and Raimi's horror roots, cleverly woven in without feeling forced (I'll leave those Easter eggs for you to discover). At its core, this is traditional, audience-first filmmaking: entertaining, unpredictable, and unapologetically fun, with no pandering or wasted moments.

In a landscape full of bloated blockbusters and forgettable streaming filler, Send Help stands out as a reminder of what great genre cinema can be when a visionary director like Raimi is given the reins. Highly recommended—grab tickets while it's in theaters.

Review by LJ Greaves Feb 2026