Streaming Review: SEND HELP

When a movie is sent into theaters in January, the common thinking is that the film is a bad one and the Distributing Theatrical Company is “dumping” the film at a time when not many folks are looking (I’m looking at you, Bob Odenkirk’s NORMAL). However, every now and then a good film finds it’s way to the light of the theater in the only timeframe that it could find.

Such is the case with the Sam Raimi Feminist-Revenge film SEND HELP.

Written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, SEND HELP tells the tale of nebbish office worker and fan of the TV Series SURVIVOR, LInda (a very good Rachel McAdams - more on her later) who’s misogynistic boss, Bradley (a very smarmy Dylan O’Brien - more on him later) continually passes her over for promotion in favor of his “dude bro’s”. When a plane crash results in these two being stranded on a desert island together, will these two find a way to put aside their differences and learn to work together (while falling in love).

This being a Sam Raimi film, I wouldn’t count on it.

And…that is the fun of this film for Raimi takes the predictable Rom-Com formula and flips it on it’s head, to delicious (and often times brutal and gorey) results. It is the best horror film that Raimi has done since DRAG ME TO HELL in 2009.

Of course, he has help in McAdams (who he directed in DOCTOR STRANGE AND THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS). Raimi remarked during the filming of that movie that McAdams wasn’t used enough and he vowed to find a project that these two could do together and would showcase McAdams acting ability and range.

And…hoo-boy…has he found it.

McAdams is a revelation in the lead role of Linda showing a range and depth of emotions - and evil pleasure - heretofore unseen by her. It is one of the best things that this very good actress has done.

Same for O’Brien as the “smarmy” boss, though his character is less well written and less well rounded but O’Brien pulls off the tightrope walk of making his character unlikeable, yet charming and (somewhat) likeable at the same time.

And this is good for 90% of this film is just the 2 of them, so if this casting - and their chemistry - doesn’t work, this film doesn’t work.

But the film DOES work, thanks to the chemistry of the 2 leads, their performances and Raimi’s smart direction. He knows exactly what kind of film - and what kind of tone - he wants to set and he sets it well.

This film is not for the squeamish, but if you are looking for a satisfying revenge fantasy, then SEND HELP fits the bill.

SEND HELP is currently streaming on HULU.

Letter Grade: A pleasantly surprising B+

7 1/2 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)