“We’re not in the office anymore Bradley.” – Linda Liddle
Sam Raimi returns to horror with Send Help (2026), which was described as “Misery (1990) meets Cast Away (2000)” which couldn’t be more perfect. The shifting power dynamic between boss and employee was done so well, it’s nice to see Sam Raimi making great horror films. It has been noted that Raimi calls it “really outrageous,” even for his own standards. Which is a good thing fans wanted to hear.
The film drops two very different people into a brutal situation where they are completely cut off from the world. After a sudden disaster, they are forced to rely on each other while dealing with scarce resources, physical exhaustion, and the constant pressure of staying alive. The movie keeps things tight and focused, letting the harsh setting amplify every decision and mistake while slowly revealing who these characters really are under stress.
As the story unfolds, the real tension comes from the relationship between the two survivors rather than just the danger around them. Their conversations, small conflicts, and moments of unexpected connection carry the film, mixing suspense with flashes of dark humor and emotional honesty. Without giving anything away, Send Help is less about big action and more about endurance, trust, and what people become when there is nowhere to run and no one else coming to save them.
The last time Raimi directed a horror film was nearly a decade ago, Drag Me to Hell (2009). This movie is not only a breath of fresh air but also a warm welcome back. Linda Liddle, played by Rachel McAdams, absolutely nails the weird, quirky girl role, but as the madness of being stranded on an island with someone who is no help sets in, her character begins to unravel. Bradley Preston, played by Dylan O’Brien, also delivers a strong performance, even if you find yourself wishing for his character to meet his demise. By the end, you may find yourself questioning who you should be rooting for. The script is strong and executed extremely well by Sam Raimi, packed with plenty of twists along the way. The tension steadily builds as the story progresses, keeping you engaged and slightly on edge throughout. What starts as a survival story slowly turns into something much darker and more unpredictable.
It truly feels like Sam Raimi is back in full form. The film is packed with strong horror elements that create real tension, but it also knows exactly when to ease that tension with moments of humor. That blend of scares and comedy feels effortless and never takes you out of the experience. It would not be a Sam Raimi film if you did not find yourself laughing at the over the top madness happening on screen, whether it is through exaggerated reactions, sudden chaos, or perfectly timed visual gags. Everything feels confident and intentional, like a filmmaker who knows his style and is fully embracing it. The result is a movie that is wildly entertaining while still delivering genuine suspense and memorable horror moments.
Overall, the film is an absolute blast, delivering high tension from start to finish while never losing its sense of fun. It feels fresh and original, standing out from many recent horror releases that play things too safe. The performances, direction, and script all come together to create something memorable and wildly entertaining. It fully embraces its tone and commits to the chaos, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. This is another great horror film and a strong, exciting way to kick off 2026, setting the bar high for what is to come. Thank you Sam Raimi!
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