At a Glance
- Send Help drops in theaters on Jan. 30.
- Stars Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle and Dylan O’Brien as Bradley Preston.
- Sam Raimi blends horror, action and dark comedy into an office-turned-survival tale.
- Why it matters: The film flips workplace dynamics into a brutal, comedic survival story, showing how power shifts when the office is left behind.
A new thriller from Sam Raimi hits theaters on Jan. 30. Starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, Send Help turns a corporate office drama into a tense island survival saga. The movie mixes horror, action, and dark humor, turning the familiar office hierarchy into a brutal, comedic showdown.
Overview
Send Help is a 2024 action-horror feature directed by Sam Raimi and produced by 20th Century Studios. The film follows Linda Liddle, a dedicated strategy planner, and Bradley Preston, a brash new CEO, as they are forced to survive a remote island after a plane crash.
Key Production Details
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Director | Sam Raimi |
| Stars | Rachel McAdams (Linda), Dylan O’Brien (Bradley) |
| Studio | 20th Century Studios |
| Release | Jan. 30 |
Characters
- Linda Liddle – A quiet, meticulous planner who has worked at the firm for years. Linda was promised a promotion by Bradley’s late father, but the promise never materialized.
- Bradley Preston – The new CEO, portrayed as a frat-bro type with a strong sense of entitlement. Bradley’s arrogant demeanor and nepotistic background set the stage for conflict.
Plot Summary
The story begins in a corporate office where Linda and Bradley clash over power and respect. Bradley, eager to prove himself, invites Linda on a work trip to Bangkok. During the flight, the plane crashes, leaving the two stranded on a deserted island.
Once on the island, Linda’s survival instincts surface. She builds shelters, hunts a giant boar, and teaches Bradley basic skills. As weeks pass, the dynamic shifts: Linda becomes the dominant survivor, while Bradley struggles to adapt.
The film’s climax features a brutal confrontation where Bradley is forced to confront his own toxic behavior. Linda ultimately rescues him, but the experience leaves both characters changed.
Themes & Style
Raimi’s trademark style-quirky horror, violence, and humor-manifests in several ways:
- Power Dynamics: The office hierarchy is mirrored on the island, with Linda and Bradley vying for control.
- Survival vs. Office Politics: The film juxtaposes mundane workplace pettiness with the raw, instinctual fight for survival.
- Dark Comedy: Moments of levity, such as Bradley’s attempts at humility, provide comic relief amid the tension.
The film also explores the idea that a person’s true nature can surface when removed from familiar social structures.
Performances
Rachel McAdams transitions from a meek office worker to a fierce survivor, delivering a performance that balances vulnerability and strength. Dylan O’Brien portrays Bradley’s arrogance convincingly, but his character arc shows a gradual shift from entitlement to humility.
Both actors’ chemistry drives the narrative, allowing the film to move from a simple survival story to a deeper examination of human behavior.
Production & Release
Send Help is a 20th Century Studios release that premiered on Jan. 30. The film’s marketing highlighted its blend of horror and action, appealing to fans of Raimi’s previous work and newcomers to the genre.
Key Takeaways
- Send Help uses a remote island setting to explore workplace power struggles.
- The film blends horror, action, and dark humor, showcasing Raimi’s distinctive style.
- Linda’s transformation from office worker to survival expert underscores the theme that environment shapes behavior.
- The movie’s release on Jan. 30 positions it as a fresh addition to the action-horror landscape.
Send Help offers a unique take on survival cinema, turning familiar office dynamics into a brutal, comedic showdown that questions who truly holds power when the world turns upside down.
