Sam Raimi's Latest Film Send Help Delivers Uneasy Genre Mashup
Before the premiere of Send Help at London's Odeon Leicester Square, director Sam Raimi attempted to warm up the audience with humor. When his jokes failed to land, he turned to physical comedy, creating an awkward but memorable prelude that made viewers eager for the film to begin. This discomfort perhaps foreshadowed the movie's own blend of uneasy elements.
A Director Known for Versatility
Sam Raimi, whose extensive filmography includes the Evil Dead franchise, the Spider-Man trilogy, the revisionist Western The Quick And The Dead, and the dark crime drama A Simple Plan, demonstrates his range once again with Send Help. The film combines multiple genres—sometimes awkwardly, but always compellingly—showcasing Raimi's ability to avoid being pigeonholed as a one-note director.
Plot and Characters
Directed by Raimi, Send Help follows corporate strategist Linda Liddle, played by Rachel McAdams, and her newly appointed boss Bradley Preston, portrayed by Dylan O'Brien. The story begins in a U.S. financial services company where Linda, despite her diligent work ethic, struggles with self-confidence and seeks a promotion promised by Bradley's late father.
Bradley, an entitled and sexist executive, dismisses Linda, favoring sycophantic colleagues instead. McAdams, though not an obvious choice for a frumpy character, delivers an impeccable and hilarious performance. Linda's secret passion for bushcraft and survivalism, including an audition for the TV show Survivor, becomes a source of mockery when Bradley discovers it online.
From Office to Island
The narrative shifts when the characters board a private jet to Bangkok for a business deal. After a storm causes the plane to crash, Linda and Bradley find themselves stranded on a remote island in the Gulf of Thailand. Here, the film explores predictable survival tropes as Bradley begins to appreciate Linda's practical skills over her corporate abilities.
Their unlikely bond hints at potential romance, raising questions about whether Bradley will reform and if Linda will gain confidence. However, Raimi, working from a screenplay by Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, keeps viewers guessing with unexpected twists, much like a sudden change in ocean current.
Genre Fusion and Audience Appeal
Send Help blends comedy, social satire, survival thriller, and gross-out body horror into a parable about an underdog fighting for recognition. While not suited for all audiences due to its intense elements, the film offers a surprising amount of fun for those with strong stomachs, culminating in a feeling of exhilaration by the end.
This genre-mashing approach, though occasionally uneasy, showcases Raimi's directorial prowess and the strong performances of its leads, making Send Help a unique addition to contemporary cinema.
