Although there’s something oddly familiar about director Sam Raimi’s “Send Help,” there’s a deliciously wicked tone to the classic deserted island setup. This is a dark (and bloody) film that has a devilish mean streak, and it’s one where every major character is a flawed antihero.
After a plane crash on a corporate jet leaves overworked employee Linda (Rachel McAdams) and her insufferably smug and cruel boss Bradley (Dylan O’Brien) as the only survivors, the pair find themselves stranded on a remote deserted island miles away from civilization. The story initially plays like a familiar survival drama, where they must build shelter, find water, and signal for a hopeful rescue. Luckily, the narrative quickly turns into something way nastier (and a lot more fun). Out here, workplace politics is something that doesn’t matter, only survival skills do. And Linda, long dismissed and undervalued in the office, suddenly holds all the power.
Watching that dynamic flip is deeply satisfying, especially for anyone who has ever worked for a jerk like Bradley (raises hand). It’s a dark fantasy for anyone who’s ever dreamed about watching an office tyrant get their comeuppance. McAdams and O’Brien are perfectly cast as foes, and their story arcs are believable (if exaggerated). They play well off each other, and they both fit their characters well.
The movie has some shocking bursts of bloody violence, but the real damage is psychological. Linda isn’t just trying to survive, but she’s settling scores. She is endlessly petty, yet I cheered for her throughout the entire film (and even when her backstory turns extremely dark). The movie never pretends Linda is a hero. Her revenge spirals into something ugly, obsessive, and morally murky, where survival becomes a deadly game of control. What makes the story so interesting and uncomfortable is that no one here is morally clean. This isn’t a heroic revenge fantasy, but one that’s messy, mean, and full of gray areas
The film cleverly satirizes corporate culture and reality competition shows alike, but worlds where ruthlessness is rewarded and empathy is a liability. On this island, the “winner” isn’t the strongest or smartest, but the one who is most willing to manipulate the other.
Uncomfortable, mean-spirited, and darkly funny, “Send Help” is a nasty little thriller about the way power corrupts us all. It’s a lot of fun to watch an office jackass get his comeuppance, even if the movie makes you question how much you’re enjoying it.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 