Sam Raimi’s ‘SEND HELP’ (2026) Is A Twisted Good Time – Movie Review – PopHorror

“Directed by Sam Raimi” was all I needed to hear when I decided to go check out the sneak preview of Send Help (2026). Outside of the synopsis and a few screen grabs on the Marcus Theaters website, I went in completely blind, and left the theater with a smile on my face. It’s a good bet you will, too.

Read on for my spoiler free review…

Synopsis

Linda Liddle and Bradley Preston, two colleagues who find themselves stranded on a deserted island after they are the only survivors of a plane crash. On the island, they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive, but ultimately, it becomes an unsettling and darkly humorous battle of wills and wits to make it out alive.

Sam Raimi directed the film. It stars Rachel McAdams, Dylan O’Brien, and Dennis Haysbert.

It’s A Jungle Out There

In the movie Castaway, Tom Hanks finds himself stranded on a desert island with only a volleyball named Wilson to keep him company. Now, imagine if you will, instead of sporting goods, you are stranded in the same situation, but with your asshole boss. That’s the setup for Send Help, which pairs hard working and underappreciated Linda (Rachel McAdams) with entitled nepo baby Bradley (Dylan O’Brien) who just so happens to have passed her over for a promised promotion right before their plane goes down on the way to Thailand. What follows is a wickedly funny survival tale that takes the audience on a genre bending roller coaster ride as only Sam Raimi can.

The Odd Couple

Once the stage is set, Send Help becomes a two person show. Fortunately, Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien have a great chemistry that propels the story forward in a compelling, humorous way. Familiar tropes evolve into clever twists and turns, intermixed with the tongue in cheek humor and hilarious gross out moments that audiences have come to expect from a Sam Raimi picture.

There are laughs aplenty, as the couple’s misadventures had the preview audience, myself included, in stitches on more than one occasion. As the film progresses, the story morphs until you’re not quite sure where it’s going to go next, but it all comes together in an ultimately satisfying, darkly humorous way. The film features music by Danny Elfman, whose tropical score hits all the right notes. Be sure to keep your eyes open for a Bruce Campbell appearance (of sorts). This is Sam Raimi after all.

Final Thoughts

Send Help is smart and funny. Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien shine. This film was a pleasant surprise and a real treat for Sam Raimi fans and fans of dark humor and comedy horror in genaral.

Send Help releases in theaters nationwide on January 30, 2026. I heartily recommend you check it out!