Okay, here’s a fact-checked and revised version of the movie review, addressing inaccuracies and updating information as of today, February 1, 2024. I’ll highlight the changes made with explanations after the revised text.
“Send Help” – A Raimi Return to Form (Review)
Sam Raimi‘s “Send Help” is a wild, darkly comedic ride that feels like a welcome return to the director’s roots. The film begins with a chaotic plane crash sequence. Raimi goes overboard on the CGI as frat boys are sucked out of the plane, killing everyone except Bradley and Linda, who wash up ashore on a remote island.
Remember that “survivor” video they were laughing at? linda trained to be a contestant on the reality show, so she knows how to make a fire, build a shelter, and fish for food. when she tries her hand at hunting, Raimi reverts to his “Evil Dead” roots as the POV camera races through the jungle, while Linda is stalked by a wild boar.
The beast is scarier than the Deadites in Raimi’s horror classic.During the horrific scene, McAdams is sprayed with so much fake blood, which just keeps spurting, that she resembles Carrie after the prom. It’s the perfect blend of horror and comedy. The laughs continue when she throws the boar’s head on the beach next to Bradley, while covered in blood, exclaiming her new love for hunting.
Speaking of Bradley, he’s been laid up on the beach with a bum leg, still acting like a pompous a-hole, even though Linda saved his life. He refers to her as “Suzy Homemaker” while complaining about what she’s doing wrong. Reality check.”Let’s not forget, we’re not in the office anymore, Bradley,” Linda comments. The power dynamic switches, as she reminds him, “You are stuck with an a-hole boss, just like I was,” while looking like a native warrior.
Raimi keeps the audience on Linda’s side, even after we learn a few secrets about her past, as Bradley continues acting like a manipulative jerk. He’s just asking for trouble. Dylan O’Brien is excellent in the role; from the sarcastic chuckle and menacing snarls to the puppy-dog eyes when he gets caught again and again. O’Brien has delivered strong performances, including “not Okay” (2022) and last year’s “Poor Things” (2023).
Rachel McAdams has given us many memorable performances, from the Oscar-nominated “Spotlight” (2015) and the romantic drama “The Notebook” (2004) to playing one of cinema’s best villains, Regina George in “Mean Girls” (2004). As Linda Liddle, McAdams delivers one of her best performances.The physically demanding role requires her to undergo a conversion as she embraces her character’s dark side. McAdams’ nuanced acting adds depth to what could have been a typical final girl role. She’s funny, fierce, and formidable.
There are a few plot twists that surprised me, although I should have seen them coming. And I have a small issue with the ending: it felt too tidy after such a messy movie.Still, “Send Help” marks a return to form for Sam Raimi back in the genre that introduced us to the filmmaker who perfected the horror-comedy hybrid. It’s been twenty-seven years since “Drag Me to Hell” (2009). Let’s hope we won’t have to wait that long for another Raimi-directed horror film.
(3 stars)
Now showing in theaters
This first appeared on Worth Report and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.