Sam Raimi’s ‘Send Help’ Trailer Just Dropped: Office Hell Meets Deserted Island!

Get ready for a wild ride! The first trailer for Sam Raimi's new horror-thriller, Send Help, has landed, and it looks like a darkly comedic survival nightmare starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien.

TL;DR: Quick Bites on 'Send Help'

• Raimi's Horror Return: Legendary director Sam Raimi is back in the horror genre, promising his signature blend of chaos and dark humor for the first time since 2009's Drag Me to Hell.
• McAdams & O'Brien Stranded: Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien play rival co-workers who become the sole survivors of a plane crash, forcing their toxic office dynamics onto a deadly deserted island.
• Release Date: Mark your calendars! Send Help from 20th Century Studios hits theaters nationwide on January 30, 2026.

You know that feeling when you're stuck with a terrible boss? Imagine that, but instead of a cubicle farm, you're stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash, and that awful boss is your only company. Yeah, that's pretty much the premise of Sam Raimi's upcoming film, Send Help, and trust us, it looks like an absolute trip!

The first trailer for this darkly comedic survival thriller has just dropped, giving us our initial peek at Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien trading corporate jabs for survival strategies. If you've been craving a movie that mixes the intense power dynamics of a corporate ladder climb with the sheer terror of a fight for your life, then you're in for a treat.

Sam Raimi's Triumphant Return to His Horror Roots

For horror fans, Sam Raimi's name is synonymous with groundbreaking, visceral, and often hilarious terror. From the iconic Evil Dead franchise to the cult classic Army of Darkness, Raimi has a unique touch that few can replicate. After a stint with big-budget blockbusters like Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) and the Marvel hit Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), he's finally making his long-awaited return to the horror genre, his first since 2009's Drag Me to Hell.

And let's be real, we've missed him! Raimi's horror isn't just about jump scares; it's about pushing characters to their absolute limits, infusing unsettling situations with unexpected turns and a healthy dose of dark humor. His return with Send Help feels like a homecoming, promising all the jolts and barbed gags we've come to expect from the master.

Meet the Unlucky Castaways: Rachel McAdams & Dylan O'Brien

The film centers on Linda Liddle, played by the incredibly talented Rachel McAdams, an employee who's brilliant with numbers but constantly undervalued and disrespected in her corporate role. Her antagonist, or rather, fellow castaway, is Bradley Preston, brought to life by Dylan O'Brien. Bradley is Linda's mean-spirited and arrogant boss who sees "no value" in her as an executive.

Their journey begins with a company event, presumably a "Bangkok merger," but takes a drastic detour when their plane crashes, leaving them as the sole survivors on a remote island. Suddenly, the corporate hierarchy means absolutely nothing, and Linda, initially the underdog, is forced to take control as her survival skills come to the forefront.

The trailer hints at this immediate power shift with some wonderfully sharp dialogue:

"As an executive, I see no value in you. You know we have the Bangkok merger coming up. Prove me wrong." – Dylan O'Brien as Bradley Preston (pre-crash)

"You are stuck with an asshole boss, just like I was. Although I'm betting I'm a much nicer boss than you would have ever been – except for maybe this part." – Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle (post-crash, with a spear in hand)

McAdams, whom Raimi previously directed in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, seems incredibly committed to this role, delivering both the frustration of an undervalued employee and the terrifying resolve of a survivor. O'Brien, who is increasingly proving his versatility, nails the insufferable boss persona that quickly crumbles under duress. Their dynamic is sure to be the core of this "battle of wills and wits."

Supporting Cast Ready to Deliver the Chills and Thrills

While McAdams and O'Brien are the central figures, a strong ensemble cast rounds out the world of Send Help:

• Dennis Haysbert
• Chris Pang
• Edyll Ismail
• Xavier Samuel
• Thaneth Warakulnukroh
• Emma Raimi (Sam Raimi's daughter)

When Office Politics Escalate to a Fight for Your Life on a Deserted Island

The premise for Send Help is simply delicious: "Lost meets Horrible Bosses," or as one source put it, "Horrible Bosses meets Lord of the Flies with a dash of Stephen King's Misery." Imagine the tension of being trapped with the person you despise most, but now your very survival depends on a reluctant partnership. It's a dark satire that plays on universal themes.

Sam Raimi himself was instantly hooked by the concept. "The pitch was outrageous and original, all the while tracking these two in their conflict as their power dynamic changed dramatically," he shared with Entertainment Weekly. He elaborated on what truly drew him to the story: "What I really love about this story is that it's an underdog tale at its core. Not only is it about survival on a deserted island, but it's also a story of female empowerment and transformation. Watching a once-powerful boss find himself dependent on someone he underestimated is satisfying."

This focus on female empowerment and transformation is particularly exciting. Watching Linda, the undervalued employee, rise to the occasion and assert dominance over her former oppressor in such a raw, primal environment promises a deeply satisfying viewing experience. It's a testament to the idea that status means nothing when you're fighting for your next breath, and respect and kindness should be universal, regardless of your corporate title.

The trailer shows glimpses of Linda, bloodied and laughing maniacally, hinting at a character pushed beyond her limits and embracing a new, terrifyingly capable self. This isn't just about escaping an island; it's about Linda escaping the shadow of her boss and finding her own power.

The Creative Minds Behind This Darkly Hilarious Thriller

Beyond Sam Raimi's masterful direction, Send Help benefits from a talented team behind the scenes. The original script was penned by Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, known for their work on projects that blend action and humor. Raimi produces the film alongside Zainab Azizi under Raimi Productions, with JJ Hook serving as executive producer.

Adding another layer of classic Raimi flair, frequent collaborator Danny Elfman is composing the original score. Elfman's ability to craft unforgettable, often gothic or quirky, musical landscapes will undoubtedly elevate the film's "unsettling black comedy" tone, as described by critics.

The project itself has been in the works for a while, with The Hollywood Reporter exclusively reporting on it back in 2019, and Deadline first reporting key details in July 2024. It's been a journey, but now we're finally seeing the fruits of this collaborative effort.

Dylan O'Brien recently shared a revealing conversation with Raimi about the film: "He was like, 'I love the movie. It's weird. It's wacky. I think a lot of people might love it, too. I also think some might not.' And I was like, 'Well, that's great.' To me, we've succeeded if that's the case." This quote perfectly encapsulates the kind of boundary-pushing, unique vision Raimi often brings to his work, and it makes us even more excited to see how audiences react to this unconventional horror-thriller.

Mark Your Calendars: When and Where to Catch 'Send Help'

Ready to see Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien duke it out for survival? Send Help is set to hit theaters nationwide on January 30, 2026, courtesy of 20th Century Studios. At present, no streaming release information has been provided, so plan to catch this darkly comedic ride on the big screen.

It sounds like the perfect movie to kick off a new year – a roller-coaster of suspense, laughs, and pure, unadulterated Raimi-esque chaos. Don't miss out on what promises to be one of the most talked-about thrillers of 2026!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sam Raimi's 'Send Help'

• When is Send Help being released? Send Help is scheduled for release in theaters nationwide on January 30, 2026.
• What genre is Send Help? It's described as a darkly comedic psychological survival thriller, blending horror elements with dark humor and intense character dynamics.
• Who are the main stars in Send Help? The film stars Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle and Dylan O'Brien as Bradley Preston.
• Who directed Send Help? The film is directed by the acclaimed horror filmmaker Sam Raimi, marking his return to the genre.
• Where can I watch Send Help? Send Help will be released in theaters nationwide. There is no information yet on when or where it will be available for streaming.

Sources

• The Hollywood Reporter (Article by Ryan Gajewski, Oct 14, 2025)
• Entertainment Weekly (via various articles, Oct 14, 2025)
• Deadline (Article by Matt Grobar, Oct 14, 2025)
• The National Desk (Article by Seth Kingsley and Elizabeth Stanton, Oct 15, 2025)
• Barstool Sports (Barstool Big Screen, Oct 14, 2025)
• Hypebeast (Entertainment Section, Oct 14, 2025)
• IGN (Trailer release, Oct 14, 2025)
• Empire (Article by Ben Travis, Oct 14, 2025)
• LATF USA (Article by Pamela Price, Oct 15, 2025)
• IndieWire (Article by Christian Zilko, Oct 14, 2025)