Sam Raimi's 'Send Help': Your Boss Just Crashed with You!

Get ready for a wild ride because horror icon Sam Raimi is officially back with a brand-new flick, "Send Help," and it's got Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien stranded on a deserted island together after a plane crash, turning office drama into a fight for survival!

TL;DR: The Need-to-Know on "Send Help"

• Sam Raimi, the mastermind behind "Evil Dead," returns to directing original horror with "Send Help," hitting theaters January 30, 2026.
• Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien star as rival co-workers who become the sole survivors of a plane crash, leading to a darkly comedic battle of wills on a deserted island.
• The film promises a thrilling blend of psychological suspense and black comedy, showcasing themes of female empowerment and shifting power dynamics.

Sam Raimi's Thrilling Return to Original Horror Storytelling

Hold onto your hats, horror fans! Sam Raimi, the legendary director known for terrifying us with the "Evil Dead" franchise and making us cheer with the original "Spider-Man" trilogy, is officially back in the director's chair for an original horror feature. After his stint with Marvel's "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" in 2022, and a break from original horror since 2009's cult hit "Drag Me to Hell," Raimi is diving headfirst into "Send Help," a psychological survival thriller that looks absolutely bonkers in the best way possible.

The buzz is real, especially with the recent trailer drop, which sets a tone of unsettling dark comedy and high-stakes tension that only Raimi can deliver. It’s a movie that mixes corporate grievances with a fight for survival, proving that some workplace rivalries can literally land you in a life-or-death situation. Mark your calendars, because this one is set to crash into theaters on January 30, 2026.

The Unexpected Island Getaway for Two Workplace Rivals

Imagine this: you're stuck on a business trip with your least favorite boss, the plane goes down, and you two are the only survivors on a deserted island. That's the deliciously twisted premise of "Send Help." Rachel McAdams, who previously worked with Raimi in "Multiverse of Madness," stars as Linda Liddle, a super capable but constantly overlooked employee. Her nightmare boss, Bradley Preston, is played by the ever-charismatic Dylan O'Brien. Their plane crashes en route to a "Bangkok merger," turning a mundane corporate event into a terrifying, blood-soaked battle for survival.

What starts as a reluctant partnership quickly spirals into an intense "battle of wills and wits." The trailer gives us a glimpse of their pre-crash dynamic, with Bradley telling Linda that he doesn't "see the benefit of making her an executive just yet," despite her being "good with numbers." Oh, how the tables turn! Once stranded, Linda finds herself in an unexpected position of power, leveraging her innate survivalist skills while Bradley is injured and helpless. This thematic shift is a huge part of the film's appeal, promising a powerful story of female empowerment and the sweet satisfaction of seeing an underestimated person rise to control a dire situation.

Meet the Talented Cast and Creative Minds Behind "Send Help"

Beyond the compelling premise, "Send Help" boasts a fantastic cast and crew that'll make you even more excited. Leading the charge are Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien, whose dynamic chemistry (or anti-chemistry, in this case!) is sure to be a highlight. McAdams is known for her versatile roles, from "The Notebook" to "Spotlight," and her performance here looks particularly committed and primal, as one article notes her drenched in blood and screaming.

Dylan O'Brien, who’s impressed us in films like "Twinless" and "The Maze Runner" series, steps into the shoes of the arrogant boss, Bradley, a role that will surely test his range as he becomes dependent on the very person he disrespected. Their journey from corporate rivals to reluctant castaways is what drives the heart of this "dramedy."

The film's ensemble also includes a solid lineup of supporting actors, adding depth to Raimi's vision:

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

Behind the camera, we have the horror maestro himself, Sam Raimi, whose unique blend of kinetic horror, dark humor, and unexpected suspense is practically his signature. The script comes from the minds of Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, known for their work on "Baywatch" and "Freddy vs. Jason," which explains the darkly comedic horror-thriller vibe. And for that iconic Raimi atmosphere, none other than Danny Elfman, a frequent collaborator, is composing the original score. Raimi produces alongside Zainab Azizi, with JJ Hook as executive producer.

Sam Raimi's Signature Style Returns to Deliver the Thrills

For many, Sam Raimi's return to a non-franchise, original horror film is a momentous occasion. His distinctive directorial style, characterized by dynamic camera work, visceral horror, and a playful sense of the macabre, hasn't been fully unleashed since 2009's "Drag Me to Hell." That film was lauded for its blend of genuine scares and outrageous humor, a formula that "Send Help" seems eager to replicate.

Raimi himself was immediately captivated by the script's dark satire and originality. He told Entertainment Weekly:

"The pitch was outrageous and original, all the while tracking these two in their conflict as their power dynamic changed dramatically. I knew right away that I wanted to direct this picture."

— Sam Raimi

He further elaborated on the themes that resonated with him, highlighting the film's "underdog tale" and its focus on "female empowerment and transformation." The idea of a once-powerful boss becoming utterly dependent on someone he completely underestimated is, as Raimi puts it, "satisfying" and "universal." It’s a message that encourages respect and kindness, regardless of status, wrapped up in a thrilling, chaotic package. This is classic Raimi: social commentary delivered with a side of blood and laughs.

What the "Send Help" Trailer Reveals (and What it Keeps Secret)

The recently released trailer for "Send Help" does an excellent job of setting the stage without giving away all the juicy details. We see Linda and Bradley in their corporate environment, with Bradley's condescending remarks to Linda establishing their fraught relationship. Then, chaos erupts. The plane crash sequence promises intensity, and the immediate aftermath on the deserted island quickly flips the script.

One memorable line from the trailer features Linda, with a chilling laugh, stating to Bradley, "I don't think we should ever leave." This moment, described as her "laughing like a drunk hyena," perfectly encapsulates the darkly comedic and unsettling tone. It hints at Linda's transformation from overlooked employee to a potentially unhinged survivor, ready to wield a "razor-sharp spear" if needed.

Dylan O'Brien also offered a peek into Raimi's perspective on the film, recalling a conversation where Raimi 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." O'Brien saw this as a sign of success, indicating that "Send Help" isn't playing it safe, which is exactly what fans expect from a Sam Raimi horror film.

Delving Deep into Themes of Survival, Empowerment, and Dark Humor

"Send Help" isn't just about two people surviving a plane crash; it's a deep dive into human nature under extreme pressure, exploring themes that resonate beyond the island. The central conflict of the film is a masterclass in shifting power dynamics. When titles and corporate hierarchies crumble, true capabilities emerge. Linda Liddle, the undervalued employee, finds her "survivalist hobbies" are far more valuable than Bradley Preston's executive status. This reversal is at the heart of the film's appeal and drives its "female empowerment" narrative.

The film is being described as everything from a "darkly comedic psychological thriller" to a "survival dramedy," suggesting a finely balanced tone. It's not just scares; it's the uncomfortable laughter at the absurdity of the situation, the gleeful schadenfreude of seeing an arrogant boss brought low, and the psychological torment of being trapped with someone you despise. Comparisons to "Lost meets Horrible Bosses," or "Horrible Bosses meets Lord of the Flies with a dash of Stephen King's Misery," are strong indicators of the wild ride we're in for.

Sam Raimi has always excelled at pushing "interesting, dynamic characters... to extremes," creating "escalating situations that are brimming with unexpected turns and suspense." "Send Help" seems poised to deliver on all these fronts, offering a fresh, original story that reminds us why Raimi is a genre legend.

Mark Your Calendars for "Send Help" Theatrical Release!

You won't have to wait too long to see Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien fight for survival (and against each other!). "Send Help" is slated for a theatrical release by 20th Century Studios. This is fantastic news, as many smaller or more unique films often get shunted directly to streaming. But a Sam Raimi horror film? That deserves the big screen experience!

Get ready to grab your popcorn and dive into this darkly comedic, thrilling adventure:

• Film Title: Send Help
• Director: Sam Raimi
• Starring: Rachel McAdams, Dylan O'Brien, Dennis Haysbert, Chris Pang, Edyll Ismail, Xavier Samuel, Thaneth Warakulnukroh, Emma Raimi
• Distributor: 20th Century Studios
• Theatrical Release Date: January 30, 2026
• Genre: Psychological Survival Thriller, Dark Comedy, Horror

This film promises to be a thrilling, thought-provoking, and very Raimi-esque start to the new year. Don't miss out on seeing how Linda and Bradley navigate their new, terrifying "corporate environment." Will they ever send help, or will they become their own worst enemies on that deserted island? We'll find out next January!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sam Raimi's "Send Help" When does "Send Help" come out in theaters? Sam Raimi's "Send Help" is scheduled to be released in theaters on January 30, 2026. Who is directing the new movie "Send Help"? "Send Help" is directed by the acclaimed horror filmmaker Sam Raimi, known for "The Evil Dead" and "Drag Me to Hell." Who stars in "Send Help"? The film stars Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle and Dylan O'Brien as Bradley Preston. The cast also includes Dennis Haysbert, Chris Pang, Edyll Ismail, Xavier Samuel, Thaneth Warakulnukroh, and Emma Raimi. What kind of movie is "Send Help"? "Send Help" is described as a psychological survival thriller with dark comedic elements. It's a horror film that explores themes of corporate rivalry, female empowerment, and shifting power dynamics in a life-or-death situation. Sources

• Entertainment Weekly
• The Hollywood Reporter
• Deadline
• IndieWire
• MovieWeb
• The National Desk
• LATF USA