Sam Raimi's Triumphant Return to Horror with 'Send Help'
Sam Raimi's long-awaited return to the horror genre, Send Help, has arrived with a spectacularly disgusting and utterly brilliant impact. The film, which marks his first horror venture since 2009's Drag Me to Hell, delivers exactly what fans have been craving: copious amounts of goop, gore, and gleeful terror. Starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien, this desert island nightmare plunges its characters into a world drenched in blood, vomit, fish innards, and other unspeakable fluids, creating an experience that is both repulsive and exhilarating.
A Vicious Parable with Wit and Viscera
At its core, Send Help functions as a sharp "eat the rich" parable, following nepo baby CEO Bradley Preston (Dylan O'Brien) and Linda Liddle (Rachel McAdams), the employee he unfairly denied a promotion. When both characters become castaways on a remote Thai beach, the stage is set for a brutal survival story. However, Raimi elevates this premise with such wit and visceral intensity that it easily outshines many contemporary horror competitors.
The film's effectiveness is somewhat tempered by Raimi's reliance on digital gore effects, which occasionally appear less convincing than the practical effects of his earlier work. This highlights a broader issue in Hollywood regarding the underinvestment in VFX artists, both in terms of budget and time. While the digital shots may lack the charm of the DIY ingenuity seen in The Evil Dead (1981), Raimi's directorial flair remains undeniable.
Masterful Direction and Compelling Performances
Raimi's camera moves with the mischievous energy of a sprite, darting from one rancid spectacle to another, ensuring the audience is constantly engaged. The verbal and literal knife fights between the two leads are played out with ferocious intensity, adding layers of tension to the narrative. McAdams, in particular, delivers a standout performance, blending broad comedic strokes with profound humanity. Her ability to manipulate audience sympathies is remarkable, as she transforms from an office "weirdo" into a formidable survivor.
The script by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift cleverly explores themes of beauty and power, suggesting that these qualities are not absolute but are dictated by environment. Linda's transformation on the island, reminiscent of a "girl takes her glasses off" moment, allows McAdams to showcase her range as an actress, shifting from underdog to empowered survivor with compelling authenticity.
A Ruthless and Satisfying Conclusion
Raimi's trademark ruthlessness shines through as Linda tests both her sanity and the audience's loyalty to the underdog. O'Brien's portrayal of Bradley adds genuine depth, forcing viewers to occasionally question his inhumanity. The film's climax, anchored by the reminder that "no help is coming so you better start saving yourself," merges indulgent Raimi splatter with a satisfying touch of righteous rage.
Ultimately, Send Help represents the best of both worlds: a return to form for Raimi's horror sensibilities and a sharp, socially relevant narrative. With its blend of disgust and brilliance, this film is set to become a cult classic for horror enthusiasts.
Director: Sam Raimi. Starring: Rachel McAdams, Dylan O'Brien, Edyll Ismail, Dennis Haysbert, Xavier Samuel, Chris Pang. Cert 15, 113 minutes. 'Send Help' is in cinemas from 30 January.
