Sam Raimi takes us on a wild, dark journey on an island in the middle of nowhere. In his first R-rated movie since “The Gift” (2000), Raimi does not disappoint. Dubbed a “Darkly Comedic Psychological Thriller” by the studio, there are no better words to define this film.
Rachel McAdams as Linda Liddle in 20th Century Studios’ SEND HELP. Photo by Brook Rushton. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Below is our spoiler-free review of “SEND HELP.”
SEND HELP is a Campy, Wild, Dark Ride
Loaded with twists and turns, this slow-burning film saw no horror elements until nearly the 20-minute mark.
In a way, the film gives “Misery” vibes. “SEND HELP” contains all the camp and horror you would expect from Raimi, but the real surprise is the moving plot twists. You never see what’s coming until it smacks you in the face.
(L-R) Dylan O’brien as Bradley Preston in 20th Century Studios’ SEND HELP. Photo by Brook Rushton. © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
While Dylan O’Brien and Rachel McAdams are both stellar in the film, McAdams shines as the diabolical colleague of the stranded duo.
The horror and gore elements are vivid. The dialogue is riddled with cheesy puns and phrases. And the overall plot is just about as solid as it can be for a “Survivor”-style horror flick set on a deserted island.
As with any movie, music and scoring set the mood for every scene, as well as set the tone for the entire film. Danny Elfman’s score was perfect, creating tension in every moment and pushing scenes through into the next.
“SEND HELP” is definitely the best horror film of the year, and it’s going to take a lot to unseat it.
About SEND HELP:
In “SEND HELP,” two colleagues become stranded on a deserted island, the only survivors of a plane crash. On the island, they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive, but ultimately, it’s an unsettling, darkly humorous battle of wills and wits to make it out alive. “SEND HELP” is directed by genre-bending visionary Sam Raimi and stars Oscar nominee Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien. The film is produced by Raimi and Zainab Azizi, executive produced by JJ Hook and written by Damian Shannon & Mark Swift, with original music by Danny Elfman. The all-original darkly comedic psychological thriller from 20th Century Studios releases in theaters nationwide on January 30, 2026.
Rating: R
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