Rachel McAdams & Dylan O'Brien Stranded in Sam Raimi's 'Send Help' Thriller

Get ready for a wild ride! Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien are facing off as rival co-workers marooned on a deserted island in Sam Raimi's darkly comedic horror-thriller, Send Help. The first trailer promises a twisted tale of survival where office politics turn deadly.

TL;DR: Quick Bites

• Crash Landing into Chaos: Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien play the sole survivors of a plane crash, finding themselves stranded on a deserted island.
• Power Flip Unleashed: What starts as a desperate survival bid quickly turns into a battle of wits and wills, with McAdams' undervalued character seizing control over her arrogant boss.
• Raimi's Horror Return: Directed by horror maestro Sam Raimi, Send Help is a dark, comedic, and intense psychological thriller hitting theaters nationwide on January 30, 2026.

When Workplace Rivalry Becomes a Life-or-Death Battle on a Deserted Island

Imagine this: you're on a business trip, probably dreaming of that upcoming Bangkok merger your boss keeps pushing. Then, BAM! Plane crash. Next thing you know, you're the sole survivor, stuck on a remote, unforgiving island with that very same boss. Sounds like a nightmare, right? Well, that's exactly what Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien are diving headfirst into in Sam Raimi's highly anticipated new film, Send Help.

The first official trailer, which dropped on October 14, 2025, sets up a truly intriguing premise. McAdams plays Linda Liddle, an employee who's "good with numbers" but clearly undervalued by her superior, Bradley Preston, portrayed by O'Brien. Bradley, initially the picture of corporate arrogance, finds himself injured and dependent on Linda after their plane crash. This isn't your average survival story; it's a "darkly comedic" and "bloodsoaked battle for survival" where the power dynamics get a serious shake-up.

We've all had a difficult boss, but how many of us have fantasized about them being completely at our mercy? Send Help takes that fantasy and runs with it, promising a visceral, unsettling, and darkly humorous look at human nature under extreme pressure. Linda isn't just trying to survive; she's settling scores and finding her voice in the most unexpected — and terrifying — environment. It’s like Lost met Horrible Bosses, but with a wicked Sam Raimi twist.

Sam Raimi's Grand Return to Original Horror Storytelling

For horror fans, the name Sam Raimi conjures up images of cabin-in-the-woods nightmares, chainsaw hands, and grotesque, gleefully chaotic scares. After helming massive blockbusters like the Spider-Man trilogy, Oz the Great and Powerful, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (where he also directed Rachel McAdams!), Raimi is making a triumphant return to the genre that made him a legend. And even better, Send Help marks his first original horror film since 2009's cult classic, Drag Me to Hell.

Raimi himself was captivated by the concept. He told Entertainment Weekly that the pitch was "outrageous and original," and he "knew right away that I wanted to direct this picture." He further elaborated on the film's deeper themes, calling it an "underdog tale at its core" that's not just about surviving a deserted island, but also "a story of female empowerment and transformation." He finds it immensely satisfying to watch a powerful boss become dependent on someone he once underestimated, underscoring a universal message: "We need to encourage our society to treat people with respect and kindness, regardless of status."

This film is more than just jump scares; it's a psychological thriller that explores human resilience and the brutal facets of behavior when societal norms crumble. Raimi's signature touch, blending chaos with unexpected suspense, is expected to be amplified by an original score from his frequent collaborator, Danny Elfman. Get ready for a film that's "weird" and "wacky," as Dylan O'Brien describes it, but in the best possible way. Raimi's unique vision promises an experience that will challenge, entertain, and perhaps even disturb you in equal measure.

"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

Meet the Talented Ensemble Cast Bringing 'Send Help' to Life

A film like Send Help hinges on its lead performances, and thankfully, Sam Raimi has assembled a powerhouse duo in Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien. McAdams, known for her incredible range in everything from romantic dramas like The Notebook to gritty thrillers like Spotlight and superhero epics like Doctor Strange, takes on the role of Linda Liddle. We see her character evolve from a mild-mannered, overlooked employee to a primal force, covered in blood and asserting dominance in the wild. Her transformation is central to the film's empowerment theme.

Dylan O'Brien, recognized for his roles in The Maze Runner franchise and Teen Wolf, steps into the shoes of Bradley Preston, the arrogant boss who quickly learns that his corporate title means nothing when stranded on a deserted island. The trailer snippets show his initial condescension giving way to vulnerability, creating a fascinating dynamic with McAdams' character. O'Brien himself has hinted at the film's unique nature, recalling Raimi saying, "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 kind of daring filmmaking is exactly what gets cinephiles excited.

Beyond the magnetic leads, Send Help boasts a strong supporting cast that promises to add depth and nuance to this intense survival tale. The ensemble includes:

• Edyll Ismail (from La Brea)
• Dennis Haysbert (known for Far from Heaven)
• Xavier Samuel (seen in Elvis)
• Chris Pang (from Crazy Rich Asians)
• Thaneth Warakulnukroh (who appeared in Thai Cave Rescue)
• Emma Raimi (seen in Happy Pills)

This blend of seasoned actors and rising stars ensures a dynamic and compelling on-screen presence, making the battle for survival all the more captivating.

Behind the Scenes: The Creative Minds Crafting This Thrilling Island Escape

While Sam Raimi’s directorial vision is certainly the driving force, the foundation of Send Help lies in its original script by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift. This writing duo, known for their work on films like Baywatch, brings a fresh take to the survival genre, infusing it with dark comedy and psychological tension. Their ability to craft an outrageous yet original pitch is what initially drew Raimi to the project, promising a narrative that constantly shifts and surprises.

Producing alongside Raimi is Zainab Azizi under Raimi Productions, with JJ Hook serving as an executive producer. This team is dedicated to bringing Raimi’s distinctive vision to the big screen, ensuring that the film’s blend of horror, humor, and social commentary hits all the right notes. The collaboration between these creative minds is key to delivering a film that's both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The film’s tone, described as a "darkly comedic psychological thriller," is further cemented by the involvement of legendary composer Danny Elfman. As a frequent collaborator with Sam Raimi, Elfman’s distinctive scores have become synonymous with Raimi’s cinematic style, from the iconic Spider-Man themes to the eerie melodies of his horror films. His music will undoubtedly elevate the tension, humor, and emotional depth of Linda and Bradley's perilous journey, making every moment on the deserted island feel even more intense.

Why 'Send Help' is a Must-Watch Film Event of 2026

Send Help isn't just another plane crash movie; it's a commentary on corporate culture, a thrilling survival story, and a powerful narrative of self-discovery and female empowerment, all wrapped up in Sam Raimi’s distinctive darkly comedic horror style. It’s a film that asks us to consider what happens when the structures of society are stripped away, and who truly holds the power when survival is the only agenda.

The anticipation for this movie is palpable, fueled by the electrifying on-screen chemistry teased between Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien, and the promise of Raimi returning to his horror roots with an original story. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Raimi’s unique brand of terror or simply looking for an engaging thriller with a clever twist, Send Help looks set to deliver. Mark your calendars for January 30, 2026, because this is one island getaway you won't want to miss in theaters!

Frequently Asked Questions About Send Help

When does "Send Help" come out in theaters? Send Help is slated to be released in theaters nationwide on January 30, 2026. Who is directing "Send Help" and what is their background? The film is directed by renowned filmmaker Sam Raimi, known for his work on the Evil Dead franchise, the original Spider-Man trilogy, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. This marks his return to original horror filmmaking. What is the plot of "Send Help" about? Send Help centers on Linda Liddle (Rachel McAdams), an undervalued employee, and her arrogant boss Bradley Preston (Dylan O'Brien). They become the sole survivors of a plane crash and are stranded on a deserted island. The film explores their battle for survival, the dramatic flip in their power dynamic, and themes of female empowerment and human resilience. Who are the main stars of the "Send Help" movie? The primary stars of Send Help are Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle and Dylan O'Brien as Bradley Preston. Sources

• Yahoo Entertainment (via Entertainment Weekly)
• Deadline
• The Hollywood Reporter
• The National Desk
• Indiatimes
• LATF USA
• IndieWire
• IGN