4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Hurt people hurt people, as the saying goes. This isn’t the main point of director Sam Raimi’s Send Help, which coheres as a small-scale comeback for the legendary horror filmmaker, but it does complicate matters. True to form, the film revels in moments both funny and gruesome as it explores how exactly that initial notion can be deployed in defence—and attack.
To be clear, Raimi’s grip on the camera is not the only, or even best, reason to see Send Help. That pride of place belongs to Rachel McAdams, cast here as dowdy office worker Linda Liddle (even her name is vaguely off-putting). Though a dedicated employee, Linda is immediately crushed by the glass ceiling of her slick new boss, Bradley (Dylan O’Brien). This isn’t a film about in-office politics, though, at least not directly. After a freak plane crash, the setting is actually a deserted island, where the power dynamics flip, and Survivor TV superfan Linda is free to rule the roost. In and of itself, this is a scintillating idea, made more so by McAdams’ ability to own this material. Her Linda is something of a battered woman, yet capable in surprising and believable ways; O’Brien, meanwhile, labours to keep up, his snide chuckle the defining characteristic of his performance. For Raimi’s part, we get all the hits: bloody geysers, some projectile vomiting, and a gleefully macabre sense of visual humour. His effort is appreciated, even if the film, which clocks in just shy of two hours, could have used more zip.
Still, there’s a calm moment in Send Help when Linda sees her reflection, which now looks like that of movie star Rachel McAdams. It’s a wonderful moment, one that sets the stage for everything that’s to follow. Of course, Linda would want to hold onto that identity. And wouldn’t you know it: we’re on her side. Sure, Raimi’s film is simple fun, but we have to sit with that feeling, too.
