Sam Raimi's 'Send Help': Your Next Must-Watch Survival Thriller Revealed

Horror legend Sam Raimi is officially back with a darkly comedic punch! Get ready for Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien to clash in Send Help, a plane crash survival tale unlike any other, hitting theaters soon.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on 'Send Help'

• Sam Raimi returns to his horror roots with Send Help, his first original genre film since 2009's Drag Me to Hell.
• Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien star as the only survivors of a plane crash, stranded on a deserted island, where office power struggles turn into a literal fight for survival.
• This "darkly comedic psychological thriller" from 20th Century Studios is set to crash into theaters nationwide on January 30, 2026.

Sam Raimi's Triumphant Return to The Horror Genre

Talk about a comeback! Sam Raimi, the genius behind iconic films like The Evil Dead franchise, the original Spider-Man trilogy, and Army of Darkness, has been a bit missed in the director's chair for original horror flicks. After his 2013 fantasy film Oz The Great And Powerful, he took a break before diving back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with 2022's Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness. Even that Marvel movie couldn't help but show off his signature "kinetic horror traits," a treat for fans who've been waiting for him to truly unleash his unique style.

Now, the wait is almost over! Raimi is returning to what he does best with Send Help – his first non-franchise film and first outright horror movie since 2009's cult favorite, Drag Me To Hell. If you've been craving that classic Raimi blend of scares, dark humor, and pure cinematic madness, you're in for a treat. He's back, and it looks like he's bringing all the blood-spattered fun with him!

Office Politics Take a Deadly Detour: The Premise of 'Send Help'

Imagine this nightmare scenario: you're stuck on a deserted island after a brutal plane crash, and the only other survivor is... your absolutely terrible boss. That's the darkly comedic, high-stakes premise of Send Help. We meet Linda Liddle, played by the fantastic Rachel McAdams, a capable and hard-working employee from a consulting firm. Her co-worker and boss, Bradley Preston, portrayed by Dylan O'Brien, is described as an "incapable," "boorish," and "nightmare" executive who clearly saw "no value" in Linda back in the office.

Their plane crashes on the way to a company event (let's just say they didn't make it to the Bangkok merger), leaving them as the sole survivors. Suddenly, the power dynamics flip entirely. Linda's "survivalist hobbies" become crucial, and her injured, once-powerful boss finds himself completely dependent on the person he underestimated. What starts as reluctant cooperation quickly spirals into a tense, darkly humorous, and unsettling battle of wills and wits as they try to survive the hostile environment.

Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien: A Clash on the Coastline

This film is a huge opportunity for Rachel McAdams, who gets a much "meatier role" than her previous collaboration with Raimi in Multiverse of Madness. The trailer shows her character, Linda, initially unfairly maligned, now asserting dominance with a knife in hand, covered in blood. It's an "underdog tale" and a story of "female empowerment and transformation," as Raimi himself described it. Viewers are likely to be on Linda's side, especially given her boss's executive-level nastiness.

Dylan O'Brien steps into the shoes of the utterly unlikeable Bradley, making him the perfect foil for McAdams's Linda. His character is injured early on, making him even more vulnerable and reliant. O'Brien even shared a conversation with Raimi about the movie, where Raimi reportedly said, "'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." That quote alone should tell you to expect the unexpected from this one!

Raimi's Signature Style: Blood, Gags, and Unexpected Turns in The Wild

If you're a fan of Sam Raimi, you know what to expect: a unique blend of horror, comedy, and intense psychological thrills. Send Help is already being described as a "darkly comedic psychological thriller," and the trailer lives up to the hype. There are definite echoes of his 2009 hit Drag Me To Hell, particularly in how Rachel McAdams's Linda finds herself unfairly put upon, though this time by a boss instead of a curse.

Film critics are already comparing it to everything from Lost meets Horrible Bosses, to a blender mix of Misery, Cast Away, and even Triangle of Sadness. Plus, keep an eye out for a shot in the trailer that directly references the original poster for The Evil Dead – a fantastic nod to his horror roots. Raimi himself states, "I've always loved stories where interesting, dynamic characters are pushed to extremes. In our story, the power shifts create an escalating situation that's brimming with unexpected turns and suspense." Get ready for a wild, bloody, and surprisingly funny ride!

"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. Our story is universal! We need to encourage our society to treat people with respect and kindness, regardless of status. It's especially rewarding to see our heroine, Linda, come into her own in such an unexpected environment."

— Sam Raimi, Director of 'Send Help'

Behind the Scenes: The Talented Crew Bringing Chaos to Life on Screen

A film like Send Help requires a solid team, and Raimi has gathered some great talent. The screenplay was penned by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, known for their work on horror and action films like Friday the 13th and Baywatch, promising a sharp script with plenty of thrills. Sam Raimi himself produced the film alongside Zainab Azizi, with JJ Hook serving as executive producer.

And what's a Raimi film without an iconic score? The legendary Danny Elfman, a frequent Raimi collaborator known for his unforgettable compositions in films like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Batman, is handling the original score. His music will undoubtedly add another layer of psychological tension and darkly comedic flair to the deserted island madness.

More Than Just a Survival Story: An Underdog's Journey of Empowerment

While Send Help promises intense survival thrills and Raimi's signature horror elements, it's clear there's more to the story. Raimi specifically highlighted the film as an "underdog tale" focusing on "female empowerment and transformation." It's about Linda, the "undervalued and disrespected employee," coming into her own in an extreme environment. Watching her once-"terrible boss" become utterly dependent on her skills offers a satisfying twist that speaks to universal themes of respect and kindness, regardless of status.

Beyond the scares and laughs, this aspect makes Send Help particularly compelling. It’s a chance to see a protagonist not just survive physically, but also mentally and emotionally, proving her worth in the most unexpected and challenging circumstances. This emphasis on character development within a high-concept horror setting is exactly what makes Raimi's work so enduring, and it ensures that Send Help will be more than just another genre flick.

When and Where to Catch the Action of 'Send Help'

Good news for moviegoers! Sam Raimi's highly anticipated return to horror will be hitting the big screen. 20th Century Studios is set to release Send Help nationwide in theaters on January 30, 2026. Mark your calendars now because this is one survival thriller you won't want to miss in a packed cinema. The first trailer already dropped on October 14, 2025, giving us a tantalizing glimpse into the bloody, darkly humorous chaos that awaits.

Frequently Asked Questions About 'Send Help'

What is the official release date for Sam Raimi's Send Help?

Sam Raimi's Send Help is scheduled to be released in theaters nationwide on January 30, 2026.

Who are the main stars in the cast of Send Help?

The lead roles in Send Help are played by Rachel McAdams (Linda Liddle) and Dylan O'Brien (Bradley Preston). The film also features Dennis Haysbert, Chris Pang, Edyll Ismail, Xavier Samuel, Thaneth Warakulnukroh, and Emma Raimi.

What's the story of Send Help all about?

Send Help follows Linda Liddle and her boss, Bradley Preston, who are the sole survivors of a plane crash and find themselves stranded on a deserted island. Their existing office tensions escalate into a dark, comedic battle for survival as Linda, a capable employee, must contend with her "terrible boss" who now depends on her for everything.

Is Send Help considered a horror film?

Yes, Send Help is described as a "darkly comedic psychological thriller" and marks Sam Raimi's return to the horror genre, known for his unique blend of scares and dark humor.

Sources

• MovieWeb
• GamesRadar+
• FirstShowing.net
• IndieWire
• The Hollywood Reporter
• OnTheRedCarpet.com (ABC7)
• Pajiba
• Deadline