Send Help Delivers Unhinged Office Horror Comedy with McAdams and O'Brien
Sam Raimi's latest cinematic offering, Send Help, arrives as a brilliantly chaotic fusion of workplace satire and visceral horror that resonates deeply with anyone who has endured modern office politics. Starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien, this film cleverly subverts expectations by transforming mundane corporate frustrations into a survival thriller of spectacularly gory proportions.
A Relatable Descent into Corporate Nightmare
McAdams embodies Linda Liddle, a perpetually overlooked consultant whose colleagues routinely steal her ideas while excluding her from social gatherings. Her portrayal captures the painfully authentic awkwardness of office life—from ill-fitting attire to cringe-inducing interactions with management. When the new CEO, Bradley (played by O'Brien), makes his entrance as the classic nepotism hire, Linda's enthusiastic introduction results in one of the most squirm-worthy scenes in recent memory.
The film's first act masterfully establishes the soul-crushing dynamics of consultancy firm life, where Donovan (Xavier Samuel) epitomises the smarmy colleague who thrives on others' labour. Linda's solitary existence, complete with shared toast moments with her parakeet while watching Survivor, makes her eventual breakdown both predictable and deeply satisfying.
From Boardroom to Beach: A Genre-Defying Shift
When Linda is denied a promised promotion, she secures a last-minute seat on the company jet to Bangkok, setting the stage for the film's dramatic pivot. The subsequent plane crash sequence delivers hilariously brutal violence—complete with lost teeth, impaled hands, and graphic injuries—that signals Raimi's signature horror style. Stranded on a deserted island with her injured boss, Linda discovers unexpected survival skills while Bradley deteriorates into helpless complaining.
O'Brien excels in portraying Bradley's transformation from arrogant executive to vulnerable castaway, mining physical comedy from every stumble and whine. His performance echoes a more grounded Jim Carrey, particularly during scenes where he battles island hazards. Meanwhile, McAdams shines as Linda embraces her newfound competence, culminating in a cathartically gory boar hunt that channels years of workplace resentment into survival instinct.
Chemistry and Commentary in Equal Measure
The evolving dynamic between McAdams and O'Brien forms the film's emotional core, with their two-hander scenes balancing dark humour against genuine tension. When Bradley snarls 'Watch what you say to me, you work for me', audiences instinctively brace for the inevitable power shift. Mark Swift and Damian Shannon's sharp script ensures the island scenario mirrors office politics through distorted, bloody lenses.
Raimi doesn't shy from escalating the horror, introducing genuinely disturbing elements that include bodily fluid exchanges and eye trauma. Yet these moments never feel gratuitous, instead serving the narrative's commentary on how corporate dehumanisation can manifest in physically violent ways.
Verdict: A Gleeful Mash-Up That Demands Attention
Send Help succeeds as both entertainment and social critique, offering blood-soaked catharsis for anyone who has suffered through toxic work environments. McAdams and O'Brien clearly relish their roles, delivering performances that balance sympathy with dark comedy. The film's clever blending of 90s office dramedy nostalgia with contemporary horror sensibilities creates a uniquely satisfying experience.
With its UK release scheduled for February 6, 2026, this genre-defying work proves that office-based stories can transcend mundane settings when infused with Raimi's trademark viciousness. More cinematic experiments like this would be a welcome addition to the landscape, proving that sometimes the most effective horror emerges from the everyday frustrations of professional life.
