The hypothetical question – stranded on an island, what three things? – always feels impossible. Forget practical tools; a fully stocked refrigerator is the immediate, desperate craving. Survival, it turns out, is far more appealing when it doesn’t involve actually *finding* food.
Sam Raimi’s new film explores a similar, albeit more dramatic, struggle for survival. “Send Help” isn’t a feast for the senses, but it offers enough to keep you engaged, even if it doesn’t quite satisfy like a gourmet meal.
Rachel McAdams delivers a compelling performance as Linda Liddle, a brilliant but socially awkward data analyst at Preston Corporation. She’s the quiet, overlooked employee, confident in her skills and anticipating a well-deserved promotion. That hope is brutally dashed when her boss unexpectedly dies, and his son, Bradley Preston (Dylan O’Brien), takes the reins.
Bradley swiftly awards the position to a recent hire, a fraternity brother with no real experience, leaving Linda, a seven-year veteran, reeling. Her confrontation with Bradley is a masterclass in corporate coldness; he bluntly informs her she lacks the “people skills” necessary for success, dismissing her dedication with casual cruelty.
A sympathetic colleague intervenes, securing Linda a place on an upcoming merger meeting in Bangkok, effectively delaying her firing. She finds herself aboard the company’s private jet, surrounded by Bradley and his inner circle, a world away from her comfort zone.
“Turbulence” feels like a gross understatement. A violent thunderstorm sends the jet spiraling into the Pacific Ocean, leaving Linda and Bradley as the sole survivors, washed ashore on a deserted island.
Here’s where things get interesting. Linda isn’t just any office worker; she’s a devoted “Survivor” enthusiast. She’s meticulously prepared for this exact scenario, having devoured countless survival guides and even submitted an audition tape for the reality show. She possesses a surprising wealth of knowledge and practical skills.
While Bradley flounders, hampered by a leg injury and a complete lack of self-sufficiency, Linda thrives. She builds shelter, starts fires, and confidently navigates the wilderness, transforming from office outcast to capable leader. The power dynamic shifts dramatically, and Bradley quickly learns who is now in control.
“We’re not in the office anymore, Bradley,” Linda declares, a statement that encapsulates the film’s central theme: the stripping away of societal roles and the revealing of true character. The film hints at potential transformations for both characters, though Bradley’s evolution feels less pronounced.
McAdams anchors the film with a captivating performance. She imbues Linda with an infectious enthusiasm for survival, elevating a potentially one-dimensional character. It’s a reminder of her often-underappreciated talent. O’Brien, known for his roles in “Teen Wolf” and “Maze Runner,” continues to demonstrate his range, even while portraying a thoroughly unlikeable character.
The script, while not flawless, is undeniably elevated by Raimi’s signature style. His penchant for over-the-top, cartoonish violence, reminiscent of his “Evil Dead” films, adds a unique flavor. Even the somewhat-hokey CGI contributes to the film’s distinctive aesthetic.
“Send Help” is an entertaining thriller that showcases the strengths of its lead actors. It’s not a groundbreaking cinematic experience, but it’s a perfectly enjoyable way to pass the time. It’s a darkly humorous exploration of survival, power, and the unsettling realization that some people may simply be…bad.
The film is rated R for strong/bloody violence and language and has a running time of 1 hour and 53 minutes.
