Sam Raimi, director of the original Evil Dead films, marks his return to horror, following within great distance of his last genre release, 2009’s Drag Me to Hell, with an island survival film dually centered on hard-working but unappreciated Linda Liddle (Rachel McAdams) and her cruel, egocentric boss Bradley Preston (Dylan O’Brien).
Linda lives with her pet bird in a cluttered apartment; she is awkward and secluded but excels in her role at the company. Bradley quickly despises Linda due to a messy mishap involving a tuna sandwich, but because of her skill set he is swayed into inviting her onto the business trip.
The private plane crashes. They’re the only two survivors. What was at their surface is washed away and eroded into sediment unweathered by the climate of their past lives.
Linda, being a “Survivor” fanatic and uninjured after the crash, quickly positions herself in charge. Bradley is no longer protected by the power he held in the real world. He’s injured and helpless. The film capitalizes on this “tables have turned” dynamic, using it to its fullest potential, pulling at these characters from every angle.
It’s from this dynamic where not just the humor is brought out but the sentimentality. The casting is brilliant. McAdams and
O’Brien have enough chemistry you’d think they’d worked together a hundred times. They both bring their A-game. O’Brien is specifically hilarious due to him playing such a great entitled jerk. McAdams’s character is complex, constantly evolving until the last minute of runtime. Somehow convincing you of every character choice.
Raimi doesn’t skip out on the inventive filmmaking techniques that he’s known for: first-person perspectives, uncanny camera movements, stylized montage sequences and characters staring directly into the camera (with no intention of breaking the fourth wall). Danny Elfman scored the film. A score that felt far more prominent within the first act, specifically the plucky tune which breathes life into Linda’s apartment. The establishing wide shot of the island is scored with booming synths, effectively building a grand mysticism that we have no choice but to confront. The score loses its intrigue during the latter half but still hits all the notes needed for a suspenseful final act.
“Send Help” is perfect for a Friday night outing to the theater. Its DNA is only traceable to Sam Raimi, and students should jump at the opportunity to see a legendary director’s work on the big screen.
This film is so thrilling it will have you laughing out loud and squealing in your seat.
Categories: Art & Life
