Since 2009s “Drag Me to Hell,” director Sam Raimi (“The Evil Dead” & “Spider-Man” trilogies) hadn’t delved into the realm of horror, instead delivering big budget blockbusters under the Disney banner. Now, with his latest entry, he returns to his roots to deliver “Send Help,” a battle of the sexes story that effortlessly blends deliciously bloody survival horror with outrageously quirky comedy.
It stars Rachel McAdams (“Mean Girls”) as the dedicated Linda Liddle, an unpopular strategist whose attempt to climb the corporate ladder is foiled by a snarky and misogynistic new CEO, Bradley (Dylan O’Brien, “The Maze Runner”). On a flight to an important conference, the plane crashes into the ocean, with only Linda and Bradley surviving. Now stranded on a deserted island, the two are forced to stick together for survival, slowly delving the two into insanity.
Sam Raimi’s style positions itself within in the cultural zeitgeist with “Spider-Man 2,” delivering sensitivity with abject amusement. His style often includes some creative camera fluidity within set pieces like with “Spider-Man 2” or “Army of Darkness.” These techniques always complement sympathetic characters such as in “A Simple Plan” or “Darkman.” “Send Help” graciously follows this trend, leading to a delightful, if not flawed time.
As aforementioned, Sam Raimi’s direction contributes to the ever growing tension between Linda and Bradley. An example of this that best exemplifies this is when the first two meet. We are shown how Linda’s colleagues don’t think highly of her, juxtaposing how Linda looks highly upon herself. Raimi chooses to utilize extreme close-ups and wider lenses for their first interaction as it graciously demonstrates the differences between them, while also showing Bradley’s overly sensitive and passive view of her.
The editing in this movie advances the pacing and comedy that Raimi interjects. While the quick cuts and edits used for comedic timing may turn off some viewers, it ultimately works for this movie, given how much of it is set in one isolated location, but also to add a sense of personality and polarity to the leads.
Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien keep the audience engaged. McAdams blends the awkward quirkiness of her character at the beginning with a sense of ferociousness. Dylan O’Brien manages to echo the gleeful scumbaginess of frequent Raimi collaborator, Bruce Campbell. O’Brien combines a hilariously exaggerated representation of nepotism, delivering a biting comedic performance while supplying levels of seduction and backstabbing.
The on-screen dynamic between McAdams and O’Brien helps their slow descent into madness be more believable to the audience. The fluctuation of their relationship, with them hating each other and them growing closer helps the movie feel fresh.
While the audience is supposed to like Linda, and love-to-hate Bradley, the movie givesBradley a more sympathetic edge. While this may help some audiences relate more to Bradley, it does take away from the intentions of the movie, showing how sympathetic higher ups (typically men) can belittle the people below.
There are major plot elements that are fairly predictable for a movie riding the expectations of unpredictability. Some audience members may expect the movie to get crazier, especially compared to the outrageous “Evil Dead 2.”
Ultimately, “Send Help” features great performances from Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, combining terror with comedy that ranges from snappy, to outrageous. The violence is extreme, the setting is utilized well in the story, and it manages to avoid repetition. At the end of the day, Raimi delivers an entertaining movie that can appeal to those looking for a good time.
“Send Help” is currently awaiting a streaming release date.