Movie Review: Send Help – Sam Raimi’s Darkly Funny Return to Low-Budget Horror (SPOILERS)
As the first movie of 2026, Jason G and I had the chance to see Sam Raimi’s latest film, Send Help, on a chilly January night at the Times Square AMC. Thanks to Jason snagging the tickets, we enjoyed the warmth of the cinema—and a thrilling, blood-soaked ride.
Raimi, known for his over-the-top horror comedies, seems to have returned to basics with this film. Eschewing the high-budget spectacle of his recent Marvel outing (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), he crafted a smaller, tightly focused story that’s heavy on gore, humor, and classic Raimi-style awkwardness.
The Story & Characters
The movie centers on a small cast. Two in particular become stranded on an isolated island, where tensions rise, alliances shift, and survival instincts take over. Rachel McAdams delivers a delightfully quirky performance as a socially awkward, nerdy character who’s both sympathetic and sinister. Dylan O’Brien plays her foil, the privileged yet flawed young man who must navigate her unpredictable behavior.
One of the film’s strongest points is its morally gray characters. At first, we sympathize with McAdams, while O’Brien’s character appears as the antagonist. But as events unfold, the roles blur—she becomes the villain, deliberately sabotaging him to cover her secrets, while he struggles with cowardice and self-interest. This complex interplay makes the story far more engaging than a simple “good vs. evil” plot.
Visuals & Atmosphere
The film has a striking visual style that evokes 1950s and 1960s thrillers. Matte-painting-style backdrops, dramatic camera cuts, and occasional direct-to-camera looks give it a retro suspense vibe reminiscent of classic Hitchcock, though infused with Raimi’s modern, in-your-face gore and dark comedy. It’s a unique mix—part vintage thriller, part outrageous horror-comedy—that keeps the audience both tense and laughing.
Took this pic right after recording the podcast.
Raimi’s Signature Touches
Fans of Raimi will recognize many of his signature elements: outrageous practical effects, blood-soaked sequences, and nods to his earlier work like Evil Dead. From a boar’s blood splatter to a vomiting scene, the movie delights in shock humor while never taking itself too seriously. Even small touches, like a photo of Bruce Campbell on the wall, serve as playful Easter eggs for longtime fans.
Pacing & Entertainment Value
The movie wastes no time reaching the island, with the setup completed within the first twenty minutes. From there, the bulk of the story unfolds with a mix of suspense, gross-out comedy, and clever character dynamics. While the subject matter is dark, the comic relief keeps it entertaining and prevents it from becoming oppressive.
Minor Flaws
The ending, however, left us wanting a bit more closure. McAdams’ character drives off as the ultimate villain, winking at the camera, but O’Brien’s character never fully confronts his own flaws. It’s a minor quibble in an otherwise fun experience, though it does reinforce Raimi’s penchant for uncomfortable, unpredictable conclusions.
Final Thoughts
Send Help is a fun, thrilling way to kick off the year. With strong performances, inventive visual storytelling, and Raimi’s signature mix of gore and humor, it’s a must-see for fans of quirky horror-comedy. The audience we saw it with was lively and engaged, adding to the experience. While not perfect, it’s a highly entertaining ride that balances tension, comedy, and outright absurdity.
Scores:
- Jason G: 7.8/10 – “A fun movie, good time at the theater.”
- Paul: 7.5/10 – “Great entertainment, though I wish the ending had better character choices.”
With solid reviews, Send Help might perform well in theaters and become a streaming hit when it hits video-on-demand services. We shall see.
Sam Raimi proves once again that he can balance horror, humor, and heart—even on a smaller scale.
Podcast version.
Quick review-right out of the theater.
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