Send Help Spoiler-free Review

by Cineman with a video review by Dean

We were immensely grateful to be invited to an early screening of Send Help, the latest film by Sam Raimi, starring We got the chance to see an early screening of Send Help, the latest film by Sam Raimi, starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien.

CINEMAN

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 a battle of wills and wits to make it out alive.

Send Help doesn’t waste a second easing you in. From the jump, the film announces itself as lean, mean, and very aware of the kind of sick fun it wants to have. This is Sam Raimi in his element. The film crackles with his signature mischief: skewed camera angles that make the setting feel hostile and alive, unnerving close-ups that linger just a beat too long, and gore that’s equal parts gorgeous and grotesque. It’s tactile, sticky filmmaking, the kind that makes you squirm and grin at the same time.

The setup is classic Raimi simplicity. Rachel McAdams plays an odd, frumpy, hyper-competent overachiever who’s constantly overlooked and patronised. Opposite her is Bradley, her preppy, smug, absolutely shit-head of a boss, played with delicious cruelty by Dylan O’Brien. Their dynamic is immediately clear, immediately irritating, and immediately ripe for combustion.

What’s most impressive is how quickly the film gets to the heart of its conflict. Send Help is captivating throughout, and remains true to its premise. Once it locks into place, it becomes a full-tilt rollercoaster. Just when you think you’ve clocked where the story is heading, the film yanks the rug out from under you. More than once, I was convinced I’d solved it, only to realise I’d been expertly head-faked into one expectation while the writers were setting up something far stranger and cruel.

There are some odd machinations in the later part of the second act; moments where the gears are briefly visible. But by the time the film reaches its conclusion, those quirks melt away in a wave of catharsis. The resolution is deeply unnerving, sharply funny, and absurd in the best possible way. It lands like a punchline delivered with a chainsaw.

Should you see Send Help? Hell yes. Run to the cinema. Those who are squeamish may struggle at points, but if you’re willing to embrace the mess, the madness, and Raimi at full throttle, you’ll have an absolute blast.

Cineman’s Rating: 8/10

DEAN

Check out Dean’s review on his YouTube channel, Dean on Screen. Also, make sure to subscribe to get his new videos, including reviews, quizzes and games, draft picks, tier ratings and more. For the love of movies!

Dean’s Rating: 8/10

Overall Team Rating: 8/10

Send Help releases in theatres on 30 January 2026.

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